Commerce Launches Probe Into Chinese Aluminum Tax Dodging Tricks
Published Date: 10/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce is checking if certain aluminum panels made by Shanghai Alumetal in China are sneaking around existing import taxes on aluminum sheets. This means companies importing these panels might face new duties soon, starting October 2, 2026. If they’re found to be dodging the rules, importers could pay more, protecting U.S. aluminum makers from unfair competition.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Suspended Entries May Face Cash Deposits and Duties
Commerce told U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to continue suspending liquidation and to apply the cash-deposit rate that would apply if these panels are covered by the antidumping and countervailing duty orders. Commerce will direct CBP to begin suspension and cash deposits for unliquidated entries entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after the publication date of this notice (October 2, 2026), and may apply suspension to unliquidated entries prior to the initiation date but not earlier than November 4, 2021. Commerce also intends to issue a final circumvention determination within 300 days of publication unless the inquiry is rescinded.
Specific Aluminum Panels Now Under Review
If you import aluminum composite panels (ACPs) made by Shanghai Alumetal, the Commerce Department opened a circumvention inquiry for ACPs that have a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) core permanently bonded between two aluminum sheets (each sheet thickness ≤ 0.2 millimeters), with a total panel thickness > 0.2 mm and ≤ 6.3 mm, and manufactured from 1100 alloy. These exact physical characteristics define which products are the subject of the inquiry.
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