United States Introduces Aluminum Import Monitoring Program

On December 23, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the creation of the Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis (AIM) system, which will enable the department to collect and publish data on aluminum imports. The goal of AIM is to track aggregate trends in U.S. imports of certain aluminum products in almost real-time, providing an early indication of trends. The monitor will also identify surges of specific aluminum products suggesting potential transshipment and circumvention relating to these products.

Under AIM, importers must obtain a free, automatic import license before they import aluminum products. To obtain the license, companies must report the volume, value, country of origin, country of most recent cast, and certain other information. These requirements will take effect on January 25, 2021. The Commerce Department detailed all of the requirements in a Federal Register notice that can be found here. Following a one-year grace period, the department also will require importers to report the country where imported aluminum products were smelted.

Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said, “The new program will enable Commerce and the public to better detect potential transshipment and circumvention involving aluminum products – helping to ensure that domestic producers can compete on a level playing field.”

The department said it will offer an opportunity to comment on its licensing requirements in the coming months. Additionally, the department will hold a series of training webinars to educate the trading community about the new import licensing requirements. These webinars will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click here for reference materials and webinar dates.