HOPKINSVILLE, Kentucky & OLDSMAR, Florida—EZ-ACCESS, an accessibility solutions provider, and MI Metals Inc., an aluminum extrusion manufacturer, commented on the recent U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) ruling that allows for aluminum extrusions from 14 countries—including China and India—to enter the U.S. market without necessary duties. The companies said they were “deeply disappointed” by the ruling and that it would have substantial implications for American manufacturers and could threaten to undermine the quality of products and American jobs.
“The commission’s recent decision was both shocking and extremely disappointing,” said Brook Massey, president of MI Metals Inc. “The recent ruling gives carte blanche to our subsidized competitors to flood the U.S. market with cheap imports that threaten American jobs and this critical domestic industry. In business for over 40 years, MI Metals remains steadfastly committed to U.S. production of high-quality aluminum extrusions by American workers and will continue to demand a level playing field for U.S. manufacturing.”
“This ruling is a blow to American businesses that have built their reputation on quality and dedication to U.S. labor,” said Chris Boyd, CEO of Antebellum Manufacturing LLC, a manufacturer in the aluminum fence, gate and rail market. “While these imported products may appear cheaper, they come at the expense of American jobs and the integrity of our industry. At Antebellum, we stand by our commitment to U.S.-made quality, even as we face an influx of subsidized alternatives that often fall short of the standards Americans deserve.”
The USITC ruling said these imports would not materially injure or threaten the U.S. aluminum industry, which contradicts previous assessments of unfair trade practices. An appeal has been formally filed in response to this ruling, which aims to highlight the need for fair trade practices that protect American industries and workers.
“This appeal represents our broader effort to address these inequities and prevent long-term damage to domestic products,” said Don Everard, CEO of EZ-ACCESS. “By challenging the decision, we aim to safeguard American jobs and promote the high-quality standards that define the products made in the U.S.”
EZ-ACCESS and MI Metals have urged policymakers and consumers to consider the long-term impacts of these decisions. The companies said every purchase of a U.S.-made product supports not only local businesses, but also American communities and families who rely on stable jobs and fair wages.