US Accuses Florida Importer of Skirting Over $11M in AD/CVD on Aluminum Wire

The U.S. last week filed a civil complaint against Florida importer Repwire, along with its manager Jose Pigna and insurer American Alternative Corp., alleging that the company made false statements to customs officials when it imported aluminum wire, to avoid customs duties (see 2409110061). In an accompanying news release, DOJ alleged the importer misrepresented the wire's "classification code and country of origin" through gross negligence or negligence.

Brian Boynton, the principal deputy assistant attorney general who heads DOJ's civil division, said the department "is committed to pursuing individuals and companies who evade customs duties or otherwise engage in unfair trade practices that harm U.S. manufacturers." He added that DOJ "will continue to employ all of our tools to ensure that U.S. manufacturers are competing on a level playing field.”

The complaint alleged that Repwire avoided antidumping and countervailing duties on aluminum wires from China by claiming the goods came from Singapore or South Korea. The U.S. is seeking over $11 million in import duties and up to $62 million in civil penalties. Counsel for Repwire didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.