U.S. Department of Commerce Finds Circumvention of Duties on Paper Plates from China
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On July 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary finding regarding paper plates imported into the United States. The department determined that certain paper plates made in Cambodia using paperboard from China are circumventing the antidumping and countervailing duty orders originally placed on Chinese products.
This investigation began after antidumping and countervailing duty orders were applied to certain paper plates from China in March 2025. These orders were designed to protect U.S. industries from unfair pricing and government subsidies that harm American businesses. On August 22, 2025, the Commerce Department started investigating whether paper plates completed in Cambodia with materials from China were avoiding these duties.
The companies Cherish Industrial (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. and Namper Packaging (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. were first examined in this inquiry. Later, Hengrong International (Cambodia) was included as another respondent after initial challenges in contacting Namper Packaging.
Due to a government shutdown in November 2025, there were delays in proceedings. However, by June 26, 2026, the department was able to issue its preliminary determination.
The paper plates involved may have different shapes, colors, and materials. They may have printing, coatings, or finishes, and can be made from various plant or synthetic materials. This investigation specifically targets plates made using Chinese paperboard shipped through Cambodia.
In response to the findings, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will now require certification processes for these imports. If companies do not comply with the requirements, duties will apply. For entries between August 22, 2025, and July 10, 2026, certifications need to be completed by August 7, 2026.
The Department of Commerce is open to comments from interested parties, which must be submitted no later than 14 days from this notice. The final determination will be decided after reviewing submitted comments.
This circumvention issue highlights the importance of enforcing fair trade practices to ensure that all goods entering the U.S. abide by trade rules.
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