Press Releases

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Rick Larsen (WA-02), and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, sent a letter to President Trump highlighting the failure of the administration to adequately address Chinese aluminum excess capacity and urging it to prioritize resolving this issue. China’s excess aluminum capacity has depressed prices in the global market, and harmed American businesses and workers, specifically in Washington state.

“We have a shared interest in addressing unfair trading practices and protecting American jobs in the domestic aluminum industry, but it is clear that your current policies are not working,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “Two years later, excess capacity in China is still a serious problem for the American aluminum industry.”

Last week, Alcoa announced it would be curtailing operations at its Intalco facility in Ferndale, Washington. Alcoa cited falling prices and increased global surplus of aluminum in its announcement.

“It is evident that your Administration’s approach to Chinese overcapacity so far has not had its intended effect and we urge you to prioritize resolving this issue,” the letter continues.

The letter calls on the Trump administration to fix the broken Section 232 exclusion process, highlights the “phase one” trade deal with China as a missed opportunity to address these issues, and encourages the administration to work with our allies to combat China’s predatory trade practices.