U.S. Announces Final Countervailing Duty Determination on Chinese Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products
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On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce published its final results in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of thermoformed molded fiber products from the People’s Republic of China. The Department found that Chinese producers and exporters received countervailable subsidies during the period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
Summary of the Investigation
The investigation covered certain molded fiber products made in China. These products are made from cellulose fibers using heated molds. They are used as plates, bowls, trays, lids, and packaging. The Department looked at many kinds of these products, in any shape, color, or size.
The U.S. Department of Commerce used verification methods to check information from Chinese companies. Two main companies were investigated: Guangxi Firstpak Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (Firstpak), and Zhejiang Zhongxin Environmental Protection Technology Group Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang Zhongxin).
Final Subsidy Rates
The Department found the following estimated subsidy rates:
- Guangxi Firstpak Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.: 7.56%
- Zhejiang Zhongxin Environmental Protection Technology Group Co., Ltd. (and cross-owned companies): 97.82%
- Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Paper Mould Packing Products Co., Ltd.: 319.92% (rate based on adverse facts available)
- All other Chinese producers/exporters: 62.66%
Scope of Investigation
Thermoformed molded fiber products included in the investigation are made from virgin or recycled cellulose fibers and are formed using heat. They have smooth surfaces and can have any design, color, or function. They may include additives to improve usefulness, such as making them heat-resistant or waterproof. Items excluded are some packaging materials and any products already covered by earlier antidumping or countervailing duty orders.
Suspension of Liquidation
Because of the earlier preliminary determination, the Department had already ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits and suspend liquidation of entries from China, starting March 14, 2025. Imports entered or withdrawn from warehouse after July 11, 2025, are not under suspension, but any entered before that date remain suspended.
If the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) finds that these imports injure U.S. industry, the Department will issue a CVD order. If not, the proceeding will end and any cash deposits will be refunded.
Next Steps
The Department will share its findings with the ITC. The ITC will decide in 45 days whether U.S. industry has been harmed by these imports from China. If the ITC rules there is no injury, all deposits will be returned. If it finds injury, countervailing duties will be put in place on all such products from China.
Full Details Available
The Department’s full memoranda, calculations, and all related documents are available via the Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS) at https://access.trade.gov.
Contact Information
Questions about this investigation can be directed to Allison Hollander at the International Trade Administration: (202) 482-2805.
Published September 30, 2025
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