U.S. Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation on Polypropylene Containers from Vietnam

1. Overview: U.S. Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation Against Vietnam

On April 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announced the initiation of an anti-dumping (AD) investigation against polypropylene plastic containers (HS code 3923.10.9000) imported from Vietnam.

The investigation stems from a petition filed on March 17, 2025, by three U.S. companies:

• CoolSeal USA
• Inteplast Group
• SeaCa Plastic Packaging & Technology Container

According to the petitioners, based on the U.S. Customs data:

• Vietnam exported over USD 6 million of the subject products to the U.S. in 2024 (19.4% of total U.S. imports).
• China accounted for USD 13.4 million (43.3%).
• Combined, the two countries represent 62.7% of total U.S. imports for the product under investigation.

The DOC has issued Quantity and Value (Q&V) questionnaires to relevant exporters, with a submission deadline of April 21, 2025. The responses will determine the selection of mandatory respondents, typically the two largest Vietnamese exporters.

2. Dumping Margin Allegations and Methodology

The DOC has preliminarily calculated a dumping margin of 52.07% for Vietnamese exporters—higher than the 40.85% proposed by the petitioners, but lower than the 74.98% to 83.64% alleged against Chinese exporters.

Since Vietnam is treated as a non-market economy (NME) by the U.S., the DOC will apply surrogate country methodology, using third-country data to determine fair value.

In this case, the DOC intends to use Indonesia as the surrogate country, as proposed by the petitioners. Interested parties have 60 days to comment on this decision before the preliminary determination is made.

3. Investigation Period and Legal Framework

• Dumping investigation period: July 1 – December 31, 2024
• Injury investigation period: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024

Under U.S. trade law, both the DOC (dumping determination) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC – injury determination) must issue affirmative findings for anti-dumping duties (ADD) to be imposed.

4. Trade Defense Advisory for Vietnamese Exporters

The Vietnam Trade Remedies Authority (TRAV) urges:

• Industry associations to inform affected exporters promptly.
• Exporters to thoroughly review U.S. anti-dumping procedures and prepare all necessary documentation.
• Full cooperation throughout the investigation to avoid adverse facts available (AFA) decisions, which could result in the highest dumping margins.

Exporters should:

• Register an account on the DOC’s IA ACCESS portal: https://access.trade.gov/login.aspx to submit and access relevant case information.
• Diversify export markets and product lines to reduce dependency risks.

5. Real Logistics Insight: Proactive Risk Mitigation Through Trade Compliance

As an experienced freight forwarding and trade advisory firm, Real Logistics highlights the critical importance of:

• Accurate HS classification and valuation to ensure compliance.
• End-to-end documentation control, from invoice declarations to origin certifications.
• Strategic logistics planning, including market rerouting and bonded warehousing.
• Legal and procedural support for exporters navigating trade remedy cases.

Our team works closely with manufacturers and legal partners to manage:

• Real-time tracking of investigation progress.
• Risk-based cargo planning in high-surveillance sectors like plastics and chemicals.
• Emergency response plans for clients facing unexpected trade actions.

6. Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Compliant, Stay Competitive

This anti-dumping investigation underscores the need for Vietnamese exporters to remain vigilant and well-prepared in global trade. Proactive engagement, supply chain transparency, and expert logistics management are essential for navigating legal risks and maintaining market access in the U.S.

Real Logistics stands ready to assist businesses with the tools, strategy, and foresight needed to operate confidently in today’s complex regulatory environment.

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Real Logistics Co.,Ltd

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