Subsidized Vietnamese Paper Plates Hit with U.S. Duties
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting March 20, 2025, the U.S. is putting extra taxes on certain paper plates imported from China and Vietnam because these countries gave unfair financial help to their makers. This move protects American paper plate businesses from getting hurt by cheaper, subsidized imports. If you import or sell these paper plates, expect changes in costs and new rules to follow.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
U.S. issues countervailing duties on paper plates
Starting March 20, 2025, the Department of Commerce issued countervailing duty (CVD) orders on certain paper plates from the People’s Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The orders direct Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assess countervailing duties and to reinstitute the suspension of liquidation for covered entries effective on publication of the ITC’s final injury determination.
Named duty rates and 'all-others' percentages
The notice lists ad valorem CVD rates for specific exporters and an "All Others" rate. For China, rates include 11.38% (Fuzhou Hengli), 4.47% (Jinhua P&P), several companies at 295.08% (based on adverse facts available), and an All Others rate of 10.61%. For Vietnam, rates include 5.53% (Go-Pak and All Others) and several companies at 225.90% (based on adverse facts available).
Retroactive duties for China; refunds for Vietnam period
The ITC found critical circumstances for China, so countervailing duties will be assessed on unliquidated entries of Chinese paper plates entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after April 2, 2024 (the 90-day retroactive period). The ITC did not find critical circumstances for Vietnam; Commerce will instruct CBP to lift suspension and refund cash deposits for Vietnam entries made on or after April 2, 2024 but before July 1, 2024.
CBP to require cash deposits equal to subsidy rates
Effective on the date of publication of the ITC’s final affirmative injury determination in the Federal Register (applicable March 20, 2025), CBP will require cash deposits at entry equal to the subsidy (CVD) rates listed in the notice. Importers must deposit these amounts at the time they would normally deposit estimated duties.
ITC found U.S. industry materially injured
On March 13, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) notified Commerce that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of subsidized imports of paper plates from China and Vietnam. That injury finding is the basis for issuing the CVD orders.
Which paper plates are covered or excluded
The orders define covered paper plates by physical characteristics (e.g., depth up to 2.0 inches) and materials, and list exclusions including paper plates molded/pressed directly from paper pulp (HTSUS 4823.70.0020), certain deeper plates with small bases, and paper bowls/ buckets/food containers with closeable lids. Covered items are classifiable under HTSUS 4823.69.0040 and 4823.61.0040.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-05481, Regulations Enhancing the Administration of the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Trade Remedy Laws; Correction
The Department of Commerce fixed some accidental mistakes in their trade rules that were published in December 2024. They put back important deadlines and details that were accidentally deleted and corrected a couple of typos. These fixes take effect on March 31, 2025, helping businesses and officials follow clear and accurate trade rules without confusion or delays.
2026-20777, Certain Paper Shopping Bags From Cambodia: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that some paper shopping bags from Cambodia were sold in the U.S. for less than their normal price between January 2024 and June 2025. This means certain Cambodian bag makers might have to pay extra duties to keep things fair. Businesses involved should watch for final decisions and possible changes in costs soon.
2026-20779, Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires From Thailand: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that tires from Thailand were sold in the U.S. for less than their normal price between July 2024 and June 2025. This means some importers might have to pay extra duties to keep things fair. The review process had some delays due to government shutdowns, but now the preliminary results are out and open for comments.
2026-20778, Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Hyundai Steel and POSCO from South Korea got unfair government help on their hot-rolled steel in 2023. Because of this, extra taxes (called countervailing duties) will apply to their steel imports starting October 9, 2026. This means U.S. steel buyers might pay a bit more, and Korean producers will have to adjust to these new rules.
2026-20690, Oleoresin Paprika From India: Antidumping Duty Order and Countervailing Duty Order
Starting October 8, 2026, the U.S. is putting extra taxes on oleoresin paprika imported from India because it's being sold too cheaply and getting unfair government help. This move protects American paprika producers from losing business and means importers will have to pay more when bringing in this spice. If you import or sell this paprika, get ready for new costs and rules!
2026-20691, Certain Paper Shopping Bags From Taiwan: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce reviewed paper shopping bags from Taiwan sold between January 2024 and June 2025. They found that Haur Tyi Paper Bag Co. didn’t sell these bags at unfairly low prices, and they stopped reviewing five other companies because no one asked for it. This means no extra duties for Haur Tyi right now, and the review process is moving forward with some deadlines adjusted due to a government shutdown.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04764, Certain Paper Plates From the People's Republic of China, Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Antidumping Duty Orders
Starting March 20, 2025, the U.S. is putting extra taxes on certain paper plates imported from China, Thailand, and Vietnam because they were sold at unfairly low prices. This move helps protect American paper plate makers from being hurt by cheap imports. Importers from these countries will now pay more, which could change prices and trade patterns.
Next: 2025-04766, Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Extension: Form 11-K
The SEC is asking to keep using Form 11-K, which helps employees check how their stock and savings plans are doing. This affects companies with employee stock plans, who spend about 96 hours and $7,525 each year filling it out. You’ve got until April 21, 2025, to share your thoughts on this paperwork extension!