Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today led the Congressional Aluminum Caucus in sending a letter to the House Ways and Means urging them to investigate China’s unfair and questionable trade practices.

“U.S. aluminum producers are facing debilitating competitive conditions and the root causes need to be further understood,” the letter states. “Capacity and production increases in China, which has gone from producing 10 percent of global supply to more than 50 percent during the past 10 years, have contributed to the problematic situation for the U.S. industry. To objectively compile data and analyze factors driving the global aluminum market and competitive conditions for the U.S. industry, the Committee should request that the International Trade Commission conduct an investigation.”

DelBene is a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Aluminum Caucus along with Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Larry Bucshon (R-IN). Together, they have held several briefings to come up with possible next steps to address Chinese oversupply of aluminum. The House Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committees are the only committees in Congress with the ability to request an investigation by the International Trade Commission. The full text of their letter can be found HERE.

The letter comes as U.S. aluminum producers announce they will have to idle production in smelters across the country, including Alcoa Intalco Works in Washington’s First District, if China’s unfair practices continue. Since January 2015, the United States has lost roughly 65 percent of its aluminum manufacturing capacity as a result of numerous curtailments and closures.

###