#United States #Washington #U.S. Trade #Fiberglass Doors #Antidumping Duty

U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Preliminary Antidumping Duties on Chinese Fiberglass Door Panels

On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed its initial findings regarding Chinese fiberglass door panels, determining that these products are being sold at less than fair value in the American market. This decision has led to the issuance of preliminary antidumping duty rates that range from 38.78% to 147.85% for various manufacturers in China.

In August 2025, the Department of Commerce had also imposed substantial preliminary countervailing duty rates that could reach as high as 921.42% on certain products. These punitive measures are aimed at addressing the perceived unfair trade practices perpetuated by Chinese manufacturers.

Company-Specific Findings

The preliminary determination highlighted several specific companies and their corresponding dumping rates. Notably:

• - Fiberglass door panels produced by Jiangxi Fangda Tech Co., Ltd., which supplies to Steves and Sons, Inc. and Trimlite LLC, have a dumping rate of 99.49%.
• - Dalian Capstone Engineering Co., Ltd., whose products are marketed by Trinity Glass, Inc., is subject to a rate of 38.78%.
• - Several other companies, including Anhui Xinyu Fiberglass Door Co., Ltd. and Wuxi Lutong Fiberglass Doors Co., Ltd., have been assigned a combined dumping rate of 68.93%.
• - All other Chinese manufacturers face a considerable China-wide dumping rate of 147.85%.

Support from American Manufacturers

The announcement has drawn praise from the American Fiberglass Door Coalition, a body representing major U.S. manufacturers of fiberglass door panels. Timothy C. Brightbill, co-lead counsel for the Coalition, asserted that this step by the Department of Commerce is crucial for ensuring fair competition and adherence to trade laws.

According to Brightbill, the decision to impose these duties is vital not only for stabilizing domestic production but also for protecting American jobs within the fiberglass door panel industry. The Coalition has long been advocating for strict measures against unfair trading practices that jeopardize local manufacturers.

Comprehensive Coverage and Evasion Prevention

Importantly, the preliminary ruling also encompasses fiberglass door skins from China that might be processed into door panels in third countries, a measure intended to combat evasion tactics by Chinese producers. Brightbill emphasized that this helps in preventing circumventive practices already prevalent in the market, safeguarding the integrity of U.S. trade.

As the preliminary determination will be published in the Federal Register, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will commence collecting these duties as cash deposits for future imports of fiberglass door panels from China. The Department of Commerce’s definitive determination is expected around March 2026, which may further adjust these duty rates based on additional assessments.

Legal Oversight and Future Implications

Robert E. DeFrancesco, a partner at Wiley's International Trade Practice, has expressed optimism towards the final determination. He believes it will favor domestic manufacturers and their workforce, attesting to the rigorous efforts undertaken by Commerce throughout this case.

Moreover, the responsibilities of enforcing these duties fall upon the importers of record. Any illegal activities related to duty evasion or circumvention will be closely monitored by U.S. Customs and Border Protection working in tandem with the Department of Commerce. This includes an ongoing collaboration with the Coalition to provide information regarding evasion practices, aiming to enhance scrutiny over specific products.

In summary, this preliminary announcement not only represents a move towards more stringent trade regulations but also signals a growing commitment to support U.S. industries against unfair foreign competition. The coming months will be critical in determining the future landscape of the fiberglass door panel market and the implications for both American consumers and manufacturers.