Fujifilm North America’s graphic systems division has received aluminum tariff tax exclusions on the majority of the 147 requests it filed.
Fujifilm North America Corp.’s graphic systems division has received tariff tax exclusions on its aluminum offset printing plates.
The company has proactively worked with industry associations and the U.S. federal government to address the unintended consequences of the tariffs applied to the sales of aluminum offset printing plates as an unfair burden on the graphic arts industry.
The U.S. Commerce Department’s Section 232 tariffs on imported aluminum remain in effect; however, Fujifilm North America’s graphic systems division has received exclusions on the majority of the 147 exclusion requests it filed several months ago.
“Although the federal government shutdown prevented Fujifilm from receiving updates as to the status of our remaining exclusion requests and the process, timing, and amount of refunds we can expect on tariffs paid since June 1, 2018, Fujifilm remains committed to crediting plate customer accounts for every dollar of tariff tax the U.S. Commerce Department returns to Fujifilm,” said Todd Zimmerman, division president, Fujifilm North America, graphic systems division.
More than 200 employees contribute to the overall printing plate manufacturing process within thermal, processless, and violet plate offerings; engineering 13 different types of plates. Once plates are manufactured they are stored in an on-site distribution centre with dedicated inventories to meet plate customer needs in a timely manner. The nationwide warehouse distribution system used by Fujifilm minimizes handling to avoid potential damage that can be caused by using overseas container shipments.
“Our resolve to challenge these tariffs has led to this outcome for our valued customers,” adds Zimmerman. “I sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we worked through this difficult situation. We will provide updates on this process as soon as we receive further information from our contacts in the U.S. Commerce Department.”
The exclusions are valid until approximately December 2019, and can be revoked at any time.
