The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the final results of its third sunset review of the countervailing duty (CVD) order on citric acid and certain citrate salts from the People’s Republic of China. The findings indicate that revoking the CVD order would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of countervailable subsidies. This decision was announced on April 15, 2026, and is effective immediately.

Background Information

The countervailing duty order on citric acid from China was first published by the Commerce Department on May 29, 2009. Under U.S. trade laws, these orders are subject to sunset reviews every five years to assess their continued necessity.

The third sunset review began on December 1, 2025. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, and Primary Products Ingredients Americas LLC, as domestic interested parties, participated in the review. These companies claimed interested party status because they manufacture, produce, or wholesale the domestic like product in the United States.

Process and Findings

The review was expedited, taking 120 days to complete. Commerce did not receive a substantive response from the Government of China or any respondent interested party. As a result, the U.S. International Trade Commission was notified, and the expedited review proceeded.

The department found that revoking the order would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of subsidies with the following net countervailable subsidy rates:

• TTCA Co., Ltd. (also known as Shandong TTCA Biochemistry Co., Ltd.): 60.07%
• Yixing Union Biochemical Co., Ltd., and Yixing Union Cogeneration Co., Ltd.: 52.22%
• Anhui BBCA Biochemical Co., Ltd.: 166.34%
• All other producers/exporters: 55.53%

Scope and Impact

The order covers citric acid and citrate salts from China. This decision plays a crucial role in maintaining fair competition in the U.S. market by addressing unfair subsidies received by Chinese exporters.

Next Steps

The Department of Commerce will continue with the countervailing duties on the specified Chinese products. This notice also serves as a reminder for parties under an Administrative Protective Order to handle proprietary information accordingly.

This decision aligns with the department’s commitment to ensuring fair trade practices and protecting U.S. industries from unfair foreign competition. The Department of Commerce is responsible for enforcing compliance with trade agreements and conducting duties like these sunset reviews.