Continuation of Antidumping Duty on Difluoromethane from China
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The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to continue the antidumping duty (AD) order on difluoromethane (R-32) from China. This decision is the result of findings by Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). They agreed that getting rid of this duty could lead to more dumping and harm to U.S. industries.
The ITC and Commerce looked into this matter as part of their normal review process. The initial order was put in place on March 11, 2021. Earlier this year, both agencies started their first “sunset review” to decide if the order should stay. After reviewing, it was clear that without the order, U.S. industries might suffer from low-priced R-32 from China harming local businesses.
R-32 is used in air conditioners and refrigeration systems. The chemical is identified by a specific CAS registry number: 75-10-5. It can be in different forms or levels of purity. This order covers R-32, whether it is pure or in blends where R-32 makes up a large part of the mix. However, R-32 that is part of blends covered by a different order—specifically for hydrofluorocarbon blends from China—is not included.
The duty applies to R-32 classified under certain subheadings in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. Customs will keep applying these duties on R-32 imports from China. This will ensure fair pricing and protect U.S. industries.
The continuation order became effective on August 4, 2026. This means that U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect deposits for the duty. These deposits are collected at the same rates as when the goods enter the country.
Commerce aims to start the next review of this order roughly five years from now. This schedule helps ensure that the duty remains necessary and effective.
Parties who were allowed to see certain private information during the review must now handle it appropriately. They need to either return or destroy the information.
This decision fulfills the legal requirements and reflects the procedures set by the U.S. government in reviewing and extending such trade measures. The continuation aims to protect U.S. industry from unfair foreign pricing practices.
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