The U.S. Department of Commerce initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of thermoformed molded fiber products from the People’s Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on October 28, 2024. Petitions were filed October 8, 2024 by Genera (Vonore, Tenn.), Tellus Products, LLC (Belle Glade, Fla.), and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC (Washington, D.C.), collectively operating as the American Molded Fiber Coalition. The subject products fall under HTSUS subheadings 4823.70.0020 and 4823.70.0040.
What it means
The investigations open a formal process that could result in AD and CVD orders imposing duties on thermoformed molded fiber imports from both countries. The International Trade Commission is scheduled to issue a preliminary injury determination on November 22, 2024; a negative finding at that stage would terminate the corresponding investigation. If both Commerce and the ITC reach final affirmative determinations, CVD orders could issue as early as May 9, 2025, and AD orders as early as July 24, 2025. De minimis dumping margins below 1% for developed countries and below 2% for developing countries would not result in an order. Commerce currently maintains 716 active AD and CVD orders.
Key facts
- Petitioners: Genera (Vonore, Tenn.), Tellus Products, LLC (Belle Glade, Fla.), and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC, collectively the American Molded Fiber Coalition
- Petition filed: October 8, 2024; Commerce initiation date: October 28, 2024
- Subject countries: People’s Republic of China and Socialist Republic of Vietnam
- HTSUS subheadings: 4823.70.0020 and 4823.70.0040
- ITC preliminary determination scheduled: November 22, 2024
- CVD orders (if affirmed) scheduled: May 9, 2025; AD orders scheduled: July 24, 2025
- De minimis thresholds: less than 1% (developed countries), less than 2% (developing countries)
- Total active Commerce AD and CVD orders: 716
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce trade notice (trade.gov)