Aluminium extrusions are one of the most closely watched products in US trade enforcement. The US has had AD/CVD orders on extrusions from China since 2011, and Vietnam has been drawn into related cases.
Why Vietnam is under scrutiny
- The US Department of Commerce has previously found that certain aluminium extrusions completed in Vietnam from Chinese aluminium circumvented the orders on China.
- In 2023–2024 the US also investigated extrusions from a group of countries including Vietnam. Outcomes of such cases can change the duty landscape quickly.
- CBP has run evasion (EAPA) investigations into transshipped aluminium products.
What this means for exporters
| Risk | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Using Chinese billet or extrusions with minor processing | Goods may be treated as Chinese and subject to AD/CVD |
| Incomplete supplier documentation | Holds, requests for information, retroactive duties |
| Wrong origin on invoices | Penalties for importer and loss of buyer trust |
Documenting a clean supply chain
- Billet and ingot purchase records with smelt and cast country.
- Extrusion production logs (press, die, batch, date).
- Records of finishing: anodising, powder coating, fabrication.
- Traceability from order to container.
Aluminium trade measures change frequently. Use this article as general guidance and confirm current duty rates, derivative lists and reporting rules for your HTS codes before each shipment.
Related: US customs compliance · Section 232 aluminium.