Chinese exports of aluminium profiles to the USA will be subject to countervailing duties ranging from 8.02% to as high as 34.15% and antidumping taxes between 32.79% and 33.28%, according to a decision made by the US Commerce Department.
Chinese exporters are required to deposit the duty owed until a final ruling. The matter still has to be determined by the US International Trade Commission, which is scheduled to meet in May.
The move is likely to hurt Chinese aluminium extrusion products to the USA. According to industry insiders, if antidumping and countervailing duties together are over 20%, there is no profit for Chinese producers.
US official statistics show that the country’s imports of aluminium profiles, mainly used in the construction sector, from China in 2010 totalled some $503M in value, slightly lower than the US$514M recorded in 2009.
However, it is thought China’s aluminium semis exports will continue to grow to markets elsewhere, given the ongoing global demand recovery.
Source China metals Email [email protected]