The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has delivered its final unanimous verdict that imports of disposable aluminium containers from China have caused material harm to American manufacturers.
The products in question include pans, trays, lids, and other disposable items.
This decision comes in response to petitions submitted by the country’s Aluminium Foil Container Manufacturers Association (AFCMA) and some of its member companies.
The investigations were launched following the formal complaint lodged on 16 May 2024.
The USITC’s ruling marks the conclusion of this phase of the trade proceedings, paving the way for action involving trade remedies.
In this next stage, the US Department of Commerce is expected to issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders. These measures are likely to be published within the coming weeks.
They are intended to address pricing practices and state subsidies tied to Chinese imports.
The goods under scrutiny comprise disposable containers mainly manufactured from flat-rolled aluminium.
Typical uses of these containers include food preparation, baking, and reheating, as well as barbequing, takeaway services, and storage.
The USITC’s conclusion affirms the alleged adverse impact of these imports on domestic production.
AFCMA is represented by John Herrmann, Paul Rosenthal, Joshua Morey, and Matthew Pereira of Kelley Drye & Warren.
Herrmann said: “Our work, however, is not done. Chinese exporters are quickly moving presses to, and illegally transhipping disposable aluminium containers through, third countries.
“AFCMA and its members are closely monitoring these developments and are preparing to take actions later this month to ensure the unfair trade orders are aggressively enforced by the US Commerce Department and US Customs and Border Protection.”
Last month, AFCMA endorsed the US Department of Commerce’s final determinations on disposable aluminium container imports from China.
