#United States #Washington #Antidumping Duties #U.S. Commerce #Chassis Imports

U.S. Department of Commerce's Antidumping Duty Determination

On September 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce unveiled preliminary findings indicating that chassis and chassis subassemblies imported from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam have been sold in the U.S. at prices below fair market value. This determination is crucial for American manufacturers facing unfair competition from lower-priced imports. The proposed antidumping duty rates are significant: 32.37% for Mexico, a stark 46.12% to 181.57% for Thailand, and an astounding 511.16% for Vietnam.

The decision has garnered support from the U.S. Chassis Manufacturers Coalition, which includes influential industry players such as Stoughton Trailers and Cheetah Chassis Corporation. They expressed gratitude to the Commerce Department for its timely investigation efforts and the preliminary decision to impose these duties, which they believe are vital for protecting the domestic industry and safeguarding American jobs.

The announcement today marks an essential step in the broader investigation, which aims to address the impact of dumped imports on the U.S. economy. Approximately one week from now, the Commerce Department intends to publish this decision in the Federal Register, which will set in motion a directive for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation and commence the collection of these preliminary antidumping duties.

These duties are set to be combined with existing preliminary subsidy duties: 133.18% for Mexico and rates between 2.24% to 9.42% for Thailand, depending on the specific producers involved. For Canada, where no export subsidies exist, the effective rates will hover between 48.36% and 190.99% due to the substantial antidumping duty.

It is crucial to understand that the preliminary determination of these duties can be adjusted before the final decision is made. The U.S. Commerce Department is thoroughly investigating various other issues while also verifying submitted responses from industry participants. A final determination is expected to be released between mid-December 2025 and potentially extended to mid-February 2026.

The chassis are indispensable for maintaining robust supply chains within the United States. However, domestic production has been undermined by low-priced imports not just from these recent contenders but also previously from China. After already implementing antidumping and countervailing duties against Chinese imports, this new set of duties aims to recover the market for American manufacturers who have struggled to compete against unfair pricing.

Robert E. DeFrancesco, a partner in the International Trade Practice at Wiley Rein and trade counsel to the petitioner in this case, emphasized the significance of today's decisions. According to him, “The substantial preliminary duties underscore the urgent need to combat the significant unfair competition the U.S. chassis industry faces.” He claims this action signifies a critical step towards restoring balance in an industry currently dominated by foreign imports.

It is essential to note that the proposed duties will be levied on the respective importers of the stated merchandise. Customs authorities will keep a strict watch to prevent any illegal duty evasion, absorption, or circumvention.

In summary, the U.S. Commerce Department's findings represent a vital protective measure for U.S. chassis manufacturers. The preliminary antidumping duties are expected to play an instrumental role in helping restore competitive pricing conditions, strengthening domestic production capabilities, and securing jobs within this crucial manufacturing sector.