China is dumping aluminum foil on U.S. markets at artificially low prices and hurting domestic producers as a result, according to a complaint filed Thursday by the Aluminum Association.

The complaint—the first in the association's 84-year history—alleges the Chinese government heavily subsidizes aluminum foil producers, then sells their products in the U.S. at prices that do not reflect their cost of production. Two petitions were filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. International Trade Commission.

"This unprecedented action reflects both the intensive injury being suffered by U.S. aluminum foil producers and also our commitment to ensuring that trade laws are enforced to create a level playing field for domestic producers," Aluminum Association CEO Heidi Brock said.

Twelve years ago, U.S. production accounted for about 84 percent of all domestic aluminum foil demand, according to the association. Today domestic producers account for 69 percent of demand while Chinese producers have grown to 22 percent of the market in the same time frame.

The association wants the U.S. government to impose duties on Chinese foil imports. http://bit.ly/2lLf9Jc

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