The outgoing U.S. administration has started a WTO complaint process against China’s support for aluminum exports. The move is not a surprise given China recently cut its export taxes on aluminum products, and U.S. manufacturers petitioned the U.S. ITC in September. China’s exports globally fell 14% in the 12 months to November 30, but exports to the U.S. increased 1% over the same period. A WTO dispute is a long way from tariffs against producers including Chalco, yet it seems unlikely that the incoming administration would wait for such a prolonged process before acting.