Crucial legislation that would seriously impact on the recreational boat fishing industry in the US is being strongly opposed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
The Trump administration may choose to impose import duty of up to 60% on Chinese aluminium, resulting in a huge price burden on manufacturers.
The NMMA testified on behalf of its members before the International Trade Commission (ITC) on the issue. The Association’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations, John McKnight, argued the importance of diverse supply options for US manufacturers.
The NMMA has subsequently submitted a brief to the ITC re-emphasising the importance of importing common alloy aluminium sheet, along with the competitive pricing and significant presence of suppliers from other countries.
The US Department of Commerce is now likely to investigate specific exporters in China, says the NMMA, requesting information on pricing and alleged subsidies to calculate a tariff to be applied to exports. The ITC will re-examine the domestic industry at the end of that process.