The US Department of Commerce (DOC) released its preliminary findings in the anti-dumping probe of fiber cast imports from Vietnam. The results are viewed as encouraging for domestic manufacturers.

The product under investigation is molded fiber, classified under Harmonized System (HS) codes 4823.70.0020 and 4823.70.0040. Several additional codes apply, including 4823.61.20, 4823.61.40, 4823.69.20, and 4823.69.40.

The petitioners in the case are Genera, Tellus Products, LLC, and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO (USW). The anti-dumping investigation covers the period from April 1 to September 30, 2024.

According to the preliminary determination recently issued by DOC, the preliminary anti-dumping duty rate, adjusted for countervailing duties, is as follows: the mandatory respondent received a rate of 0.76%, which is also applied to separate rate applicants.

Other companies that failed to respond to the quantity and value questionnaire and did not request a separate rate were subject to the countrywide adverse facts available (AFA) rate of 211.60%. By comparison, the preliminary anti-dumping duties imposed on Chinese exporters of the same product range from 47.44% to 477.97%.

This outcome is considered favorable for Vietnamese exporters, particularly as cooperating firms are also subject to a relatively low provisional countervailing duty of 3.39%. However, the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam advises caution, as the DOC may revise the rates in its final determination.

As part of the investigation process, the DOC will verify the information submitted by Vietnamese firms on site. Additionally, interested parties may submit case briefs on product scope within 30 days of the preliminary scope determination issued on May 6. Rebuttal briefs must be filed within seven days of the deadline for initial comments.

The final determination in the anti-dumping investigation is expected by July 21 though it may be extended.

To ensure a favorable outcome, the Trade Remedies Authority advises affected exporters to closely monitor the case and continue to cooperate fully with the DOC, as the final duty rates are still subject to change.