U.S. Commerce Department's Decision Boosts Mobile Access Equipment Industry Against Chinese Subsidies
On December 18, 2025, significant news emerged for U.S. manufacturers of mobile access equipment (MAE) as the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) finalized its findings in an essential review concerning imports from China. This decision marks a clear victory for domestic producers who have long struggled against adverse competition stemming from what they assert are unfair subsidies provided by the Chinese government.
The Coalition of American Manufacturers of Mobile Access Equipment, which includes prominent players like JLG Industries, Inc. and Terex Corporation, expressed their approval of the DOC's findings, noting that they underscore the serious imbalances created by external financial support for competitors. According to the results, the DOC determined that significant countervailable subsidies were indeed being extended to Chinese producers of MAE, specifically highlighting Zhejiang Dingli Machinery Co., Ltd. as the only company evaluated in this review.
The outcome of the investigation revealed an impressive countervailing duty (CVD) rate of 32.26% applied to Dingli's imports, a substantial increase from the previous rate of 11.97%. This adjustment reflects not only the documented evidence of governmental support but also the stringent investigation into various new subsidy programs being utilized by Chinese producers. Dingli, identified as the largest supplier of Chinese mobile access equipment in the U.S., now faces a total duty rate—when accounting for antidumping duties and Section 301 tariffs—amounting to 69.65%. This stringent duty rate illustrates a robust protective measure for U.S. industry players against unfair trade practices.
Timothy C. Brightbill, who serves as counsel to the Coalition and co-chair of the International Trade Practice at Wiley, commented on the results, remarking, "This is a positive result for the domestic mobile access equipment industry, recognizing the substantial subsidies that are provided to Chinese producers. We appreciate the Commerce Department's hard work in reaching these findings. This elevated CVD rate more accurately reflects the level of subsidization occurring and is expected to help U.S. producers gain a more equitable footing in the market."
Following the publication of these final results, Dingli's imports will be subject to cash deposits at the new CVD rate moving forward. It's noteworthy that other Chinese manufacturers of MAE may face even steeper AD/CVD rates, which can reach as high as 165.30%, varying significantly based on individual producers. Furthermore, it is essential to understand that these duties could potentially rise retroactively through the annual administrative review process, emphasizing a fluid and rigorous regulatory environment.
The addition of the 25% Section 301 tariffs lengthens the financial burden on Chinese MAE imports. As such, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in concert with the DOC, vigilantly monitors for duty evasion, circumvention, and absorption, with serious consequences for any incidences that violate trade laws. This proactive approach signifies the seriousness of maintaining fair trade practices that protect domestic industries from unfair foreign competition.
In conclusion, the recent final results by the U.S. Department of Commerce reflect not only a triumph for U.S. manufacturers but also an essential affirmation of fair trade practices. The actions taken by the DOC serve to bolster the domestic market landscape, providing American companies with a fortified position as they seek to compete against heavily subsidized foreign counterparts.
This outcome is a clear signal of the U.S. government’s commitment to ensuring equitable trade conditions that promote growth and fairness within the mobile access equipment sector.