FPA Submits Comments on the Revisions of the Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariff Exclusions Process

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) is submitting comments on the above referenced proposed rule. Flexible packaging represents $43 billion in annual sales in the U.S. and is the second largest and one of the fastest growing segments of the packaging industry. The industry employs approximately 85,000 workers and was deemed an Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce by the Department of Homeland Security during the pandemic. This is because the industry is heavily vested in food and medical packaging; and aluminum foil is used for this type of packaging as it provides the best barrier protection needed from oxygen, light, moisture, and bacteria that food, health and hygiene, and medical supplies need to ensure stable shelf life, freshness, and sterility. It is a matter of national security that the product manufacturers that use this packaging can source it domestically. While aluminum foil is an important component of this packaging, it is only one component, as flexible packaging is made from paper, plastic, foil, or any combination thereof.