U.S. producers are trying to block supply of Chinese aluminum through Vietnam

Almaty. January 10. Silkroadnews - The U.S. producers are trying to block Chinese aluminum deliveries through Vietnam, Reuters reported.
“U.S. aluminum products makers sought new trade protections against Chinese imports, accusing China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd and its affiliates of evading U.S. anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties by shipping aluminum products through Vietnam,” the report said.
In a file with the U.S. Commerce Department, the Aluminum Extruders Council said the aluminum products are sent to the branch of Global Vietnam Aluminum Co Ltd, slightly modified and then exported to the United States.
According to the Commerce Department, duties on the Chinese aluminum products currently make 106%.
In turn, Zhongwang Holdings Ltd stated such “allegations made are without grounds”.
The U.S. have already initiated a number of measures to restrict Chinese imports, including duties on Chinese aluminum foil and aluminum sheets.
This all happen at a time when the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering much broader global restrictions on aluminum imports on national security considerations.
The Commerce Department should provide Trump with recommendations on the import of aluminum on January 22. Recommendations of a similar nature on steel imports should be submitted on January 16.
“China’s excess production capacity of both metals has emerged as a major trade irritant for the United States and Europe, prompting them to consider new steps to protect domestic industries and jobs from a flood of Chinese imports,” the report reads.
In June, the Commerce Department imposed duties on the import of aluminum pallets from China, considering it as a part of duty evasion. Then the Aluminum Extruders Council also claimed that pallets are manufactured in China, and then after some modifications are shipped through Vietnam.
A similar situation was in the steel sector, when the U.S. Commerce Department imposed duties on steel products from Vietnam allegedly produced of Chinese steel.