U.S. Department of Commerce Finds Circumvention of Duties on Aluminum Containers from China
Estimated reading time: 5–7 minutes
Published: 2026-04-20
The U.S. Department of Commerce has made an important announcement. It found that some products made with aluminum from China are avoiding extra duties. This process is called “circumvention.”
The products in question are disposable aluminum containers. These include pans, trays, and lids. They are being made in Thailand using aluminum that comes from China. After that, they are sent to the United States.
The aim of this determination is to close any loopholes in the regulations. Commerce wants to ensure that duties on certain products are properly applied.
These products are bound by antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders. These are meant to protect U.S. businesses from unfair foreign trade practices.
Commerce made a preliminary finding on April 15, 2026. It invited comments from all interested parties.
The circumvention inquiry began because of the AD and CVD orders published in May 2025. Commerce began looking into the matter on July 11, 2025. They were checking if products made in Thailand with Chinese materials were avoiding duties.
Two companies in Thailand were chosen for this investigation. They are Peak Legends (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Wohler Household Products (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Due to government shutdowns, the investigation deadlines were extended. This pushed the preliminary determination date to April 15, 2026.
The result of this investigation will affect duties. Importers to the United States must now be more careful. They will need to provide certifications to avoid duties.
For products from Thailand entering the U.S. since October 28, 2024, importers must complete certifications. These documents show products were not made with Chinese materials.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will use these certifications to decide if duties apply. If the conditions are not met, duties at high rates may apply.
Importers and exporters must keep records of certifications. These include documents like commercial invoices and aluminum mill certificates. They must keep these records for at least five years.
Commerce has invited public comments on these certification rules. They also set deadlines for the submission of briefs and hearing requests.
This decision by the Department of Commerce underscores the importance of strict trade regulations. The move protects U.S. industries from unfair competition.
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