HCMC – The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has commenced an anti-dumping probe into aluminum extrusions and aluminum products imported from Vietnam.
The investigation follows allegations by a coalition of U.S. industry associations – the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW).
The USW said Vietnamese aluminum exports of were being sold in the U.S. market at unfairly low prices, violating fair trade practices.
Vietnam accounted for 7.6% of U.S. imports in 2022, and was the fourth largest exporter to the U.S., after Mexico, Colombia and China, according to United States Customs and Border Protection.
The complaint names around 14 companies in Vietnam. The DOC has imposed an anti-dumping margin of 41.84% on Vietnam, which is lower than the rates assigned to Mexico, Colombia and China, three of Vietnam’s top export competitors.
As Vietnam is categorized as a non-market economy by the U.S., the DOC will use a surrogate country to calculate anti-dumping duties. The USW has proposed Indonesia as the surrogate country, citing economic similarities and significant aluminum extrusion and aluminum product manufacturing capacity.
The investigation will cover the period from April 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, during which the DOC will gather relevant information.
The DOC has issued a questionnaire regarding the volume and value of Vietnamese exports to be completed by businesses in Vietnam. The response deadline is November 7, 2023 (U.S. time). Mandatory respondents, typically two or three companies, will be selected by the DOC based on this information and data from United States Customs and Border Protection.
Companies not designated as mandatory respondents may apply for individual duty rates within 30 days of the investigation’s initiation. If unsuccessful, they may face higher national duty rates set by the DOC.
Stakeholders have 30 days to comment on the selection of Indonesia as the surrogate country before the DOC issues its preliminary findings. The DOC is expected to release its preliminary determination within 140 days of initiating the investigation, with the possibility of extensions.
The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam has advised affected companies to closely monitor developments, diversify their export markets and product lines, and cooperate fully with the DOC throughout the investigation.
