Trade Body Calls For Strong Import Monitoring and Trade Enforcement

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Aluminum Association leadership noted that strong import monitoring mechanisms and trade enforcement are vital for effective implementation of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The leaders from the domestic aluminium industry trade body held a meeting with top policy makers including Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, White House Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Peter Navarro and members of Congress. Several key trade issues including the recently announced USMCA agreement on trade were discussed during the meeting.

The Association representatives lauded the work of the Trump administration and the Congress in moving the agreement forward. However, it emphasized on the need of efficient trade monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for ensuring successful implementation of the trade deal. This includes creation of formal aluminium import monitoring schemes in the U.S. and Mexico, they said.

Lauren Wilk, vice president for policy and international trade at the Aluminum Association warned that the partner countries need to be vigilant to prevent entry of unfairly traded aluminium into the region. All three USMCA countries must develop and coordinate on systems that could effectively address concerns about import surges, especially from China. As per data, the imports of aluminium sheet and plate from China to Mexico have seen nearly 150% surge in the past year, he noted.