Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) applauds U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for forced labour determination on Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L.

The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) commends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for its decisive action in issuing a forced labour finding against Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. (“Kingtom”). Following a thorough investigation, CBP determined that aluminium extrusions, profile products and derivatives manufactured by Kingtom in the Dominican Republic were produced using convict, forced, or indentured labour in violation of Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307). 

To read the CBP Notice, visit - https://lnkd.in/eRJV-ZgZ

Kingtom is a Chinese-owned aluminium extruder in the Dominican Republic and uses both Chinese and local Dominican labour. The AEC and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (“USW”) jointly petitioned CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) to investigate these apparent violations of the Tariff Act.

As a result of CBP and DHS’s findings, CBP has authorised all port directors to seize imports of aluminium extrusions from Kingtom.

 “Today’s (December 3, 2024) announcement is the culmination of a joint effort between the AEC and the USW and sends a powerful message that forced labour has no place in global supply chains,” said Jeff Henderson, President of the Aluminum Extruders Council. “The AEC has consistently advocated for rigorous enforcement of trade laws, including those that uphold ethical labour standards. We commend CBP for their diligence in uncovering and addressing this violation and for taking concrete steps to ensure compliance.”

The AEC is committed to defending its members against such unfair trade practices and promoting transparency and accountability throughout the industry.

Note: This press release, issued by the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), is published as received without edits from AL Circle.