Commerce Department Publishes Preliminary Results in MSG Antidumping Duty Review
Estimated reading time: 4–6 minutes
On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its preliminary findings in the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on monosodium glutamate (MSG) from the People’s Republic of China. The review covers the period from November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2024.
Ajinoriki MSG (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd was the only company subject to the review. The Department found that Ajinoriki did not file a required Separate Rate Application (SRA) or Separate Rate Certification (SRC). Therefore, Ajinoriki is not eligible for a separate rate. It is considered part of the China-wide entity.
Because no party requested a review of the China-wide entity, it is not under review in this segment. The China-wide entity’s antidumping duty rate remains at 40.41 percent.
Background
The antidumping duty order was originally published on January 6, 2015. On November 1, 2024, Commerce notified parties of the opportunity to request a review. Ajinoriki filed a timely request. Commerce initiated the review on December 18, 2024.
In the initiation notice, Commerce reminded all firms involved in a non-market economy proceeding, such as China, about the requirement to submit an SRA or SRC to qualify for a separate rate. Ajinoriki did not submit either.
Under Commerce rules, exporters in non-market economies are presumed to be under government control. To obtain a separate rate, they must prove independence from such control. All firms listed in the Federal Register are advised of this process.
China continues to be treated as a non-market economy. Commerce applied its standard methodologies for such cases.
Separate Rate Analysis
Commerce considers whether companies are state-controlled. Firms must prove they are not controlled de jure (by law) or de facto (in practice).
Ajinoriki had not been assigned a separate rate in a previous review. Therefore, it needed to submit an SRA for this review. The deadline was January 17, 2025. Ajinoriki did not meet this deadline.
Because Ajinoriki failed to file a timely SRA, Commerce finds it to be part of the China-wide entity.
This action is consistent with Commerce practice. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has upheld Commerce’s ability to treat companies as part of the China-wide entity if they fail to submit an SRA or SRC.
No other companies were subject to this review. Thus, Commerce did not need to select additional respondents or place U.S. Customs data on the record.
China-Wide Entity
Commerce did not receive a request to review the China-wide entity. As a result, it remains not under review. The 40.41 percent antidumping duty rate remains unchanged.
Preliminary Results
Commerce preliminarily finds that Ajinoriki is part of the China-wide entity and is ineligible for a separate rate.
There are no new calculations for this review, as no company was found eligible for individual examination.
Public Comment
Case briefs may be submitted within 21 days of publication of the preliminary results. Rebuttal briefs must be submitted within five days after case briefs.
Each brief must include a table of contents and a table of authorities. Commerce requests public executive summaries of each issue, not exceeding 450 words.
Hearing requests must be submitted within 30 days of publication. Requests must include participant details and a list of issues to be discussed.
Assessment Rates
If Commerce’s preliminary findings are confirmed in the final results, Ajinoriki will be assessed duties at the China-wide rate of 40.41 percent.
Commerce will issue assessment instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) no earlier than 35 days after publication of the final results. If an appeal is filed, liquidation of entries will be suspended.
Cash Deposit Requirements
Cash deposit requirements for MSG from China will remain as follows:
- For exporters with assigned separate rates, the existing rate continues.
- For exporters without separate rates, including Ajinoriki, the rate is 40.41 percent.
These requirements remain in effect until further notice.
Final Results
Commerce intends to issue the final results within 120 days of publication of the preliminary results.
This notice serves as a reminder to importers of the requirement to file a reimbursement certificate for antidumping duties.
Authority
This action is issued under sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as well as 19 CFR 351.213 and 351.221(b)(4).
Signed,
Christopher Abbott
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations
Performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance
Date: 2026-02-06
Appendix – Scope of the Order
The order covers monosodium glutamate (MSG) from China. This includes MSG in any physical form, and in products where MSG makes up 15 percent or more of the dry weight.
MSG may be mixed with salts, sugars, starches, maltodextrins, or other seasonings.
MSG is included whether in monohydrate form (CAS 6106-04-3; UNII W81N5U6R6U) or anhydrous form (CAS 142-47-2; UNII C3C196L9FG).
MSG is classified under HTS code 2922.42.10.00 but may also enter under other codes such as 2922.42.50.00 and several subcategories of 2103.90.
HTS codes and CAS numbers are for convenience. The written description of the scope is controlling.
Legal Disclaimer
This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.
