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Commerce Department Continues Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on Vertical Metal File Cabinets From China

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The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the continued enforcement of antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on vertical metal file cabinets imported from the People’s Republic of China.

This action follows determinations by both the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). They found that removing these orders would likely cause dumping, unfair government subsidies, and harm to American industries.

Background

The original antidumping and countervailing duty orders were published in the Federal Register on December 13, 2019. These orders aim to protect U.S. industries from unfair competition due to low-priced imports and government-supported exporters.

In November 2024, the ITC began the first five-year (sunset) reviews. The Department of Commerce started its review soon after. The reviews followed section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930.

The Commerce Department determined that removing these orders would likely result in continued dumping and subsidized imports. The ITC agreed that removing the orders would likely cause injury to U.S. companies.

On May 30, 2025, the ITC confirmed its decision. The Commerce Department is therefore continuing the AD and CVD orders. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will keep collecting AD and CVD deposits at the existing rates for all vertical metal file cabinets covered by these orders.

Scope of the Orders

These orders cover freestanding vertical metal file cabinets. The cabinets must have two or more drawers or extendable storage parts and be 25 inches wide or less.

The main features include:

  • Made of carbon, alloy steel, or other metals (painted, coated, or galvanized).
  • Have two or more extendable elements (like drawers) sized for letter (8.5 x 11 inches) or legal (8.5 x 14 inches) hanging files.
  • May include small storage parts (like pencil drawers) as long as these do not total more than six inches in height.
  • May have a non-extendable storage area (like a small cubby) not higher than six inches.
  • Are “freestanding” with a solid top—not made for attaching to desks or worktops.
  • May have wheels, casters, or similar features.
  • Accessories packaged with the cabinets do not remove them from the scope.
  • Can be imported assembled or unassembled, if all essential parts are included.

Exclusions from the Orders

The orders explicitly do not cover:

  • Lateral metal file cabinets (wider than 25 inches, body width is more than depth).
  • Pedestal file cabinets (file cabinets with body depths greater than or equal to width, under 31 inches in height, and with certain features such as a central locking system, 90% drawer extension, minimum weight density of 9.5 lbs./cubic foot, and casters or glides).
  • Fire-resistant cabinets meeting Underwriters Laboratories standard 72, class 350.

The cabinets are mostly classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 9403.10.0020, but may also be imported under other related subheadings.

Continued Enforcement

Commerce is continuing the orders, with the effective date of continuation as May 30, 2025. Customs will keep collecting deposits as before. The next five-year review is scheduled to begin within 30 days before the fifth anniversary of the last ITC decision.

Administrative Notes

The notice reminds parties involved about their responsibilities concerning confidential information. Parties must dispose of or convert confidential materials, according to the rules, after the proceeding.

This continuation was published as required under the Tariff Act and related regulations.

Official

Dated: June 5, 2025.
Christopher Abbott, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations (Performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance).

Federal Register Doc. 2025-10576, filed on June 10, 2025.


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