U.S. Fiberglass Door Panel Manufacturers Combat Evasion from China Amidst Anti-Dumping Rulings

As the United States moves closer to a significant ruling regarding anti-dumping duties on fiberglass door panels, the American Fiberglass Door Coalition is taking decisive actions to combat unfair trade practices from China. This coalition, which represents primary fiberglass door panel manufacturers in the U.S., is collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to investigate and mitigate instances of duty evasion and circumvention that have caused substantial harm to the domestic industry.

In March 2025, the coalition filed antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) petitions with both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. These petitions were a response to a significant spike in imports from China, which started to undermine the market for American-made door panels. Following these petitions, the Department of Commerce imposed preliminary countervailing duties in August, ranging from 59.17% to an alarming 921.42% on imports from China. As anticipation builds for the preliminary antidumping determination set for December 23, 2025, the coalition expects duties on Chinese imports to rise even further.

Timothy C. Brightbill, co-lead counsel for the Coalition, reported that despite the imposition of these duties, there are troubling signs of suspicious trade activity. He indicated that there have been noticeable changes in shipment patterns that suggest some companies may be attempting to evade the imposed duties. To combat these actions, the coalition's counsel is providing evidence to CBP to enhance the scrutiny of affected imports, particularly in light of reported circumvention tactics.

The coalition is advocating for clarity from the Department of Commerce to ensure that all Chinese fiberglass door skins fall within the scope of the case, even if they are shipped separately from door panels. This measure aims to close loopholes that might allow Chinese firms to circumvent duties by exporting raw components and having them assembled abroad.

Legal regulations concerning duty evasion, absorption, and circumvention are stringent and monitored closely by CBP and Commerce. The use of incorrect Harmonized Tariff System codes or misclassification of these fiberglass imports can lead to severe legal and financial repercussions. Hence, the coalition is aggressively pursuing measures to safeguard American manufacturers from such unregulated practices.

It’s crucial for businesses to remain vigilant in reporting suspected duty evasion and for consumers to be aware of how these practices can affect the domestic marketplace. The American Fiberglass Door Coalition remains committed to restoring fair competition and ensuring that international trade practices adhere to U.S. regulations.

This situation reflects broader concerns regarding international trade and how domestic industries can protect themselves from unfair foreign competition. As the deadline for the Department of Commerce’s ruling approaches, the coalition’s proactive measures and ongoing collaboration with government bodies demonstrate an essential strategy for defending American manufacturing interests.

As more details emerge, stakeholders within and outside of the fiberglass door panel industry will be watching closely. The outcomes could set significant precedents for future trade practices and the enforcement of fair duty measures against imports that fail to comply with U.S. laws and trade agreements.