US slaps duties on China's molded fiber packaging
Published Date: 3/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government found that Chinese makers of thermoformed molded fiber products are getting unfair financial help from their government. Because of this, the U.S. plans to add extra taxes (called countervailing duties) on these products to keep things fair for American businesses. This decision starts on March 14, 2025, and could affect prices and trade for companies importing these fiber products from China.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Cash deposits required on imports starting March 14, 2025
If you import thermoformed molded fiber products from China, U.S. Customs will suspend liquidation and require a cash deposit for entries on or after March 14, 2025. The cash deposit must equal the preliminary countervailing duty rates set in this notice (see listed rates: 6.99%, 5.99%, 153.25%, and 6.38%).
Preliminary subsidy rates assigned to named exporters
Commerce preliminarily assigned countervailable subsidy rates to named Chinese exporters: Guangxi Firstpak Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. — 6.99%; Zhejiang Zhongxin Environmental Protection Technology Group Co., Ltd. — 5.99%; Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Paper Mould Packing Products Co., Ltd. — 153.25% (based on facts available with adverse inferences). The preliminary all-others rate is 6.38%.
Non-response triggers adverse facts available (AFA) penalty
Commerce states it used adverse inferences under sections 776(a) and (b) of the Tariff Act because one company, Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Paper Mould Packing Products Co., Ltd., did not respond to the quantity-and-value questionnaire. As a result, the company was assigned a 153.25% rate based on facts otherwise available.
Which products are covered and HTS codes
The investigation covers thermoformed molded fiber products (for example, plates, bowls, clamshells, trays, lids, and foodservice packaging) regardless of fiber source or finish. The notice cites HTSUS subheadings 4823.70.0020 and 4823.70.0040 and additional possible classifications for convenience.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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