Chinese Engines Caught Dodging Existing U.S. Tariffs
Published Date: 5/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that certain small engines made by a Chinese company, Zongshen, are trying to sneak around existing trade rules meant to keep things fair. Starting May 12, 2026, these engines will face the same extra taxes as before, protecting American businesses like Briggs & Stratton. This means importers might pay more, and the rules just got tougher for these engine imports.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Prelim: Zongshen Engines Circumvent Orders
Commerce preliminarily determined that Zongshen models 5C65M0 and BC70M0 of vertical shaft engines constitute later-developed merchandise that circumvent the antidumping and countervailing duty orders. This preliminary determination is applicable May 12, 2026.
Suspension of Liquidation and Cash Deposits
Commerce will direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to continue suspension of previously suspended entries and to suspend liquidation of all entries of Zongshen models 5C65M0 and BC70M0 entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after July 11, 2025. CBP will also be instructed to require cash deposits of estimated antidumping and countervailing duties equal to the cash deposit rates in effect for Zongshen; these instructions will remain in effect until further notice.
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Key Dates
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