WAUCONDA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) commends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for its decisive action in issuing a forced labor finding against Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. (“Kingtom”). Following a thorough investigation, CBP determined that aluminum extrusions, profile products and derivatives manufactured by Kingtom in the Dominican Republic were produced using convict, forced, or indentured labor, in violation of Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307). To read the CBP Notice click HERE
Kingtom is a Chinese owned aluminum extruder in the Dominican Republic and uses both Chinese and local Dominican labor. The AEC and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (“USW”) jointly petitioned CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) to investigate these apparent violations of the Tariff Act.
As a result of CBP and DHS’s finding, CBP has authorized all port directors to seize imports of aluminum extrusions from Kingtom.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of a joint effort between the AEC and the USW and sends a powerful message that forced labor has no place in global supply chains,” said Jeff Henderson, President of the Aluminum Extruders Council. “The AEC has consistently advocated for rigorous enforcement of trade laws, including those that uphold ethical labor standards. We commend CBP for their diligence in uncovering and addressing this violation and for taking concrete steps to ensure compliance.”
The AEC is committed to defending its members against such unfair trade practices and promoting transparency and accountability throughout the industry.
About the Aluminum Extruders Council:
The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) is an industry trade association dedicated to advancing the effective use of aluminum extrusion in North America. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the AEC supports its members and works to increase the use of aluminum extrusions across various markets.
