US Commerce Finalizes Tariffs on Aluminum Extrusions from 14 Countries

The US Department of Commerce

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has finalized duties on aluminum extrusions originating from 14 countries following a nearly year-long trade investigation. The duties, a combination of antidumping and countervailing tariffs, range from 2.02% to 376.85% for antidumping and 1.44% to 168.81% for countervailing measures. This investigation was initiated after a petition by the US Aluminum Extruders Coalition (USAEC) and the United Steelworkers union in October 2023.

The countries affected by the tariffs include major exporters such as China, India, South Korea, and Mexico, among others. These 14 nations accounted for 65% of U.S. imports of aluminum extrusions in 2023. Aluminum extrusions are widely used across industries such as construction and automotive, with products ranging from bars, rods, and hollow profiles to windows and doors.

Scope of Investigation and Product Impact

The products subject to these tariffs include aluminum and aluminum alloy bars, rods, tubes, pipes, and various structural components. The DOC's determination is a culmination of several affirmative rulings, including an antidumping determination in May 2024 and a countervailing ruling in March 2024. Each country involved in the investigation was assigned specific duty rates, with individual companies facing varying tariffs depending on their pricing behavior.

On 27 September, the DOC announced that cash deposit rates for foreign aluminum extruders would now be required. However, these rates will undergo further review through an administrative process, set to conclude within a year. A final vote by the International Trade Commission is expected on 30 October, which could influence the final implementation of the duties.