The Aluminum Association released the following statement by Lauren Wilk, vice president for policy and international trade, in response to the launch of a European Commission antidumping investigation into aluminum extrusions coming from China. The case was initiated following a complaint by European Aluminium, the trade association representing the full aluminum value chain in Europe. 

“The Aluminum Association appreciates the European Union’s (EU) efforts to enforce international trade laws by investigating dumping of Chinese aluminum extrusions. Strong trade enforcement is absolutely essential to creating a level playing field for aluminum producers worldwide. The Aluminum Association has supported two successful antidumping and countervailing duty cases against unfairly traded aluminum foil and common alloy sheet in recent years. Previously, the industry was successful in pursuing antidumping measures on Chinese aluminum extrusions unfairly dumped in the United States. We welcome additional efforts by our trading partners in Europe and around the world that demonstrate a commitment to the rigorous and timely enforcement of global trade rules.”

The Chinese government continues to pursue industrial policies to expand its already massive aluminum overcapacity. A study last year by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which was noted in the EU’s filing, documented $60 - $70 billion in direct government subsidies to five aluminum-producing firms in China. Over the past five years, aluminum overcapacity in China has grown by 60 percent.