EU’s potential anti-dumping duties could take a toll on China’s aluminium extrusion exports

SHANGHAI, Feb 17 (SMM) – China’s exports of aluminium extrusions are set to take a hit, if the European Union imposes anti-dumping duties following its recent investigation, SMM expects.

The European Commission said on Friday February 14 that it has launched an investigation into whether China is dumping aluminium extrusions, products widely used in transport, construction and electronics, in the EU.

Countries including the US, Canada, Australia and Vietnam have already imposed antidumping duties on aluminum extrusions from China.

In February 2019, China exported about 12,614 mt of aluminium extrusions to the EU (25 countries, UK excluded), accounting for 13.15% of the total, according to China customs data. Those aluminium products were under HS code 76041010, 76042910, 76041090, 76042100 and 76042990.

Source: China customs, SMM

This portion figure is high, indicating a potentially strong hit to China’s aluminium extrusion exports should the EU impose anti-dumping duties. SMM research found that major aluminium extruders in Guangdong, Shandong, Jiangsu and other regions all have export businesses.  

EU’s recent investigation was in response to a complaint filed in January by industry group European Aluminium representing seven producers, with a combined production accounting for more than 25% of the total EU production of aluminum extrusions.

The products subject to the investigation are bars, rods, profiles (whether or not hollow), tubes, pipes; unassembled; whether or not prepared for use in structures (e.g. cut-to-length, drilled, bent, chamfered, threaded); made from aluminum, whether or not alloyed, containing not more than 99.3 % of aluminum.

The investigation of dumping and injury will cover the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, while the examination of trends relevant for the assessment of injury will cover the period from January 1, 2016 to the end of the investigation period.

The EC's announcement also said that the investigation will be concluded within normally 13, but not more than 14 months from the publication of the notice.

Provisional measures, however, may be imposed normally not later than seven months, but in any event not later than eight months, from the publication date.