U.S. Continues Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on Collated Steel Staples from China
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On February 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the continuation of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on collated steel staples from the People’s Republic of China.
These orders were first put in place on July 20, 2020. On June 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission began their first five-year reviews of these orders, as required under the law.
Commerce reviewed information and found that ending the orders would likely result in dumping and unfair subsidies continuing again. The ITC also concluded that removing the trade remedies would likely cause harm to U.S. businesses.
Because of these findings, the duty orders will stay in place. This ensures continuing trade protection for U.S. industries.
The duties apply to collated steel staples made from steel wire measuring between 0.0355 inch and 0.0830 inch thick. These staples must have leg lengths between 0.25 inch and 3 inches and crown widths between 0.187 inch and 1.125 inches.
These staples may be made of any kind of steel and may come with or without coating. They can be collated using glue, adhesive film, or paper tape. The staples are normally made to ASTM F1667-18a specifications, but other specifications are also included.
Excluded from these duties are carton-closing staples already covered under a different antidumping order from May 8, 2018. Also excluded are “C-ring hog rings” and “D-ring hog rings.” These are made of stainless or carbon steel wire sized 0.050 inch to 0.081 inch. C-rings have curved legs forming a “C” shape. D-rings have straight legs set at an angle of 30 to 75 degrees. These hog rings must have 90-degree blunt or 15–75 degree divergent points and must be collated using glue, adhesive, or tape.
Currently, the products fall under tariff code 8305.20.0000 in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. However, the written description of the items determines what is covered by the duties.
The continuation of duties began on January 30, 2026. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue collecting cash deposits at current rates for these imports.
Commerce plans to begin the next five-year review of these orders before the fifth anniversary of the ITC’s latest decision.
Companies and persons who had access to confidential business information during the review are reminded to return or destroy this information, as required by law, or convert it to judicial protective order.
This notice complies with sections 751(c), 751(d)(2), and 777(i) of the Tariff Act of 1930, and with 19 CFR 351.218(f)(4).
For additional information, parties should contact Jack Custard at (202) 482-1125 or Leah Kiah at (240) 956-8621 at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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.
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