EZ-ACCESS among those challenging import ruling 

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky., and OLDSMAR, Fla. – EZ-ACCESS and MI Metals, a manufacturer of aluminum extrusions, say they are disappointed with a recent ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission that allows aluminum extrusions from 14 countries, including China and India, to enter the U.S. market without what they say are necessary duties. The decision, which has been appealed, has substantial implications for American manufacturers and threatens to undermine the quality of products and U.S. jobs, they say. “The commission’s recent decision was both shocking and extremely disappointing,” said Brook Massey, president of MI Metals. “The recent ruling gives carte blanche to our subsidized competitors to flood the U.S. market with cheap imports that threaten American jobs and this critical domestic industry. In business for over 40 years, MI Metals remains steadfastly committed to U.S. production of high-quality aluminum extrusions by American workers and will continue to demand a level playing field for U.S. manufacturing.” The USITC’s ruling states that these imports do not materially injure or threaten the U.S. aluminum industry, contradicting previous assessments of unfair trade practices. As a result, no new antidumping (AD) or countervailing duties (CVD) will be imposed on these aluminum extrusions, and provisional AD/CVD duties collected during the investigation will be refunded to importers. In May 2024, the companies say the Biden White House issued a statement acknowledging that imports of certain aluminum products from China and other foreign countries were harming the U.S. steel and aluminum industry, emphasizing the need for fair trade practices. The commission’s ruling leaves many American manufacturers like EZ-ACCESS facing competition from an influx of subsidized foreign products. “This appeal represents our broader effort to address these inequities and prevent long-term damage to domestic products,” said Don Everard, CEO of EZ-ACCESS. “By challenging the decision, we aim to safeguard American jobs and promote the high-quality standards that define the products made in the U.S.”