CONTACT: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2446, jkamm@usw.org
(Pittsburgh, PA) — The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement in support of antidumping and countervailing duty petitions filed today by the Aluminum Association’s Trade Enforcement Working Group against unfairly traded imports of certain aluminum foil from China. The petitions allege that Chinese imports are causing material injury to domestic industry as a result of dumping or illegal subsidization. They identify 27 government subsidy programs, resulting in margins in ranging from 38 to more than 134 percent.
“The USW stands in strong support of the Aluminum Association’s effort to combat Chinese dumping and subsidization of aluminum foil exports to the United States. In just over a decade, Chinese penetration of our market in these products has gone from 0 to 22 percent. Over that period, China’s aluminum foil producers have stolen market share and jobs.
“Aluminum is a critical product used for household, infrastructure and military applications. The products covered by today’s petitions include household foil, flexible and semi-rigid cookware, product packaging, automotive and HVAC heat exchangers and more. Today’s case seeks to stem unfair trade in foil products, protecting the vibrancy and profitability of the domestic industry.
“China has ravaged the entire aluminum sector with its unfair trade. Its rising overcapacity has depressed world prices, making it increasingly difficult for companies that abide by market economics to survive.
“Even while today’s case is being filed, China’s predatory practices are devastating manufacturers of aluminum, steel and other products across the globe. We shouldn’t have to fight for domestic production and jobs on a case-by-case basis. Workers deserve better.
“This case should be coupled with a broader effort to eliminate unfair trade in aluminum products and across other industries. However, until our government finds other avenues to stand up for workers, there is no choice but to use the tools we have. Today’s case is a vital part of that effort.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors. For more information: http://www.usw.org/.