Wednesday, November 6, 2024
HomeUS strikes hard: Tariffs on Italian aluminum show protectionism

US strikes hard: Tariffs on Italian aluminum show protectionism

When America decides to speak up, it does so without much ceremony. And this time in the crosshairs. Italian aluminum producerwho find themselves working with new people. Export duties of extrusions and profiles. It starts at 13.19%, but jumps to 41.67% for those who did not respond to requests from the US Commerce Department. A tactic that only affects Italy in Europe, leaving a sector worth millions of euros in dire straits.

This year, the United States extended anti-dumping duties on aluminum extrusions and profiles, not just Italy: India e Vietnam. The measures are part of a larger investigation launched by the US Department of Commerce, which aims to combat dumping, the sale of goods at prices below market value.

Manufacturers in India and Vietnam as well as in other countries such as Italy and China punitive tariff, With the goal of protecting the American aluminum industry. Tariffs vary by country and level of cooperation with investigations, and are a direct response to complaints from domestic U.S. manufacturers who accuse foreign competitors of unfair trade practices.

Punitive Tariffs: Those that ended up in the trap.

Judgment certainly does not come out of nowhere. Corriere and International Trade Insights say it all starts with a complaint filed by the US Aluminum Extruders Coalition, which accuses foreign producers of dumping practices. At the time, the Biden administration responded quickly, launching investigations in fifteen countries, including Italy. After months of control, a cold shower came on September 27: duties on Italian exports, with The rate reached 41.67 percent For companies that did not respond to questionnaires sent from the United States.

Despite U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s recent diplomatic visits to Rome, the tariff issue appears to have been treated with great discretion and, above all, silence. The major Italian companies in the sector, many of which are concentrated in Lombardy, therefore had to deal with a move that Their access to the US market could be threatened.among the most important globally.

Impact on the Italian aluminum sector

The threat of the Italian sector coming to its knees is real. Extruded aluminium, which is processed at high temperatures to make products such as windows, facades, components for the automotive and aerospace sectors, furniture and photovoltaic systems, has a well-connected supply chain in our country. Direct exports of these products to the United States are worth approx. 110 million euros per year. But these figures, already significant in themselves, do not take into account the aluminum components that are added to other types of goods, such as designer accessories and construction materials.

It’s not just a question of volume, though. Italy finds itself in an awkward position.The only European country affected by these measures Punisher This could open the door to European competitors like Spain, Germany and France, who could take advantage of our exit to gain market share in the US. The Confimi Industria association has already expressed concerns about this, fearing that the Italian manufacturing industry will suffer a severe blow.

Behind the tariff are political games and other countries are involved.

There is also one behind this American move. Strong political component. The most influential are the roots of aluminum companies, such as Arconic and Alcoa. Strategic States Such as Pennsylvania and Georgia, key areas for the 2024 US presidential election.

There has been a general absence of decisive action by the Italian government. Although diplomacy has run its course during recent visits to Rome, there appears to be no public outcry against the decision.

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