Report: U.S. Aluminum Extruders See 10-15% Increase in Business Thanks to Tariffs on Chinese Imports

(Wauconda, Illinois; December 2, 2014) Ducker Worldwide, an independent consulting and research firm recently concluded a study on behalf of the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) focused on identifying the benefits from and future risks to the U.S. Aluminum Extrusion market's trade case against the People's Republic of China. This revealing report indicates that up to 20% of the U.S. extrusion market has returned to domestic producers. Furthermore, the study lays out three scenarios based on the resolve of and future success in the domestic industry's defense of the Department of Commerce's trade orders.

"It was clear through trade data analysis and interviews with extruders, customers and suppliers that the AEC's actions to date in the U.S. industry's trade case against Chinese extruders have dramatically reduced imported extrusions from China and returned demand to domestic suppliers. Chinese imports grew at their peak to over 20% of domestic demand in late 2009/early 2010, but fell rapidly to less than 1% after the orders took effect in October 2010," said Nick Limb, Managing Principal of Ducker Worldwide. Abey Abraham, Project Director at Ducker also noted, "With the exception of a small number of niche extruders, a majority of domestic suppliers experienced a 10-20% growth attributable to the return of customers that previously purchased from Chinese extruders."

The Aluminum Extruders Council has led the U.S. aluminum extrusion industry in achieving level competition by winning tariff protection that offsets unfair trade practices of extruders/importers of aluminum profiles produced in China. Conservatively, AEC estimates upwards of 600 million pounds of extrusions are being produced in the U. S. that would have otherwise been lost to China.

The study also assesses the future impact on the industry should the orders be eliminated or the tariff rates fall. "What I found most telling is that the risk exposure is heavily weighted to building and construction applications and includes a clear risk to the transportation market including automotive applications," said Jeff Henderson, Director of Operations at the AEC. Henderson continues, "For the first time ever, we have insight into which markets are most vulnerable in the event tariffs were to decline or be eliminated."

The study also examined how the Chinese extrusion market has responded to the duties and what potential steps they intend to take in the future. Abraham elaborates, "The Chinese extrusion industry has not sat back. It is clear they have launched a number of countermeasures in an attempt to regain their lost position. Most notably, the Chinese market is investing in large press capacity, engineering resource, and downstream capabilities." Henderson notes, "This is exactly what extruders have seen in the U.S. as Chinese competitors are pushing scope requests attempting to add value to extrusions and claiming they are now offering a finished product. Additionally, Chinese extruders have tinkered with alloying components to claim a 5000-series extrusion is exempt from the tariffs in an effort to try and evade duties. If a U.S. extruder believes they are not vulnerable to Chinese competitors because they haven't lost business in the past, they should reconsider their strategy and current market share. It is clear that Chinese extruders are focused on identifying avenues to penetrate the U.S. market and gain market share. A major take away from customer interviews conducted is the right price and product will win business in the future."

The Aluminum Extruders Council and Ducker Worldwide will co-host a webinar for AEC members on December 17, 2014 that will review the study and its findings. "The industry has come a long way in just a few years to gain back business it had lost to unfair trade," said Henderson. "This report confirms what the AEC Fair Trade Committee suspected: the tariffs continue to ensure a level playing field for all. The U.S. aluminum extrusion industry is resilient given a level playing field in which to work, and I'm convinced that the tariffs have significantly contributed to the economic growth we are now seeing."

AEC members may register for the free webinar, "The AEC and Ducker Worldwide Present: The U.S. Aluminum Extrusion Trade Case, A Look Forward", by visiting AECmeets.org.

About AEC

The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) is an international trade association dedicated to advancing the effective use of aluminum extrusion in North America. AEC is committed to bringing comprehensive information about extrusion's characteristics, applications, environmental benefits, design and technology to users, product designers, engineers and the academic community. Further, AEC is focused on enhancing the ability of its members to meet the emerging demands of the market through sharing knowledge and best practices. For more information go to www.AEC.org; follow AEC on Twitter (@AEC_org), Facebook (AluminumExtrudersCouncilAEC) and LinkedIn.

About Ducker Worldwide

Ducker Worldwide, a premier consulting and research firm, is driven to help its clients achieve their most ambitious growth goals. Custom market intelligence, strategic consulting and transaction advisory services are delivered by fully-engaged Ducker principals and a diverse team of global talent. With exclusive access to industry leaders and opportunities, Ducker applies robust analytics and critical thinking to every engagement, delivering unique, fact-based solutions for our clients - solutions which produce confident decisions to advance growth. Ducker is headquartered in Troy, Mich., with offices around the world, including Bangalore, Berlin, London, Paris and Shanghai. Founded by William H. Ducker in 1961; Ducker celebrates over 53 years in business. For more information, go to www.ducker.com.


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For more information please contact:

Nancy Molenda
Communications Manager
ET Foundation/AEC
nmolenda@tso.net
847/416-7227