Member Alert: Aluminum prices may rise dramatically, get involved now

NMMA is urging members to contact the association if you use sheet aluminum. As you may or may not be aware, on 11/28/2017 the US Department of Commerce ("DOC") announced the initiation of an antidumping and countervailing duty case on Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China. A link to Commerce's announcement is here.
The case covers imports of aluminum sheet from China in the 3XXX-, 4XXX- and 5XXX-series alloy. 5XXX-series aluminum is magnesium-alloy-based and is often used in marine applications due to its corrosion-resistance. 
It is projected that import duties on Chinese aluminum sheet will increase at least 56.54 percent. The actual duties could be much higher when the countervailing duties (anti-subsidy) are included. China is the largest source of foreign imports of this product. The purpose of the case is not only to raise the cost of Chinese aluminum sheet, but also to raise the prices of aluminum sheet in the domestic market as a whole.
NMMA is engaging on this issue. We will participate in a hearing on December 21 where witnesses from the domestic industry can testify about the harm they are experiencing. It also is a chance for the U.S. importers and end-users of the merchandise to testify why imports are not harming domestic production.
This is moving very quickly. NMMA is forming a committee of affected members who want to be informed and involved. If you use sheet aluminum and believe you may be affected by this case we urge you to contact us right away. Please contact Thom Dammrich at [email protected]