U.S. Commerce Department Releases Preliminary Findings in Review of Chinese HFC Imports

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On February 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce released its preliminary results in the administrative review of antidumping duties on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blends from the People’s Republic of China. The review covers the period from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.

This update was published in Volume 91, Number 27 of the Federal Register, covering pages 5905 to 5908.

Background

The Department of Commerce issued an antidumping duty order on HFC blends from China on August 19, 2016.

On September 20, 2024, the Department initiated a new review based on a request from the American HFC Coalition. This proceeding includes 21 exporters from China.

Several extensions and delays occurred in this proceeding due to administrative tolling decisions:

  • On December 9, 2024, deadlines were extended by 90 days.
  • On July 17, 2025, the deadline for preliminary results was extended by an additional 111 days.
  • On November 14, 2025, all deadlines were tolled by 47 days due to a federal government shutdown.
  • On November 24, 2025, an additional 21-day tolling was applied due to a filing backlog.
  • On January 2, 2026, the deadline was extended again by nine days.

With all extensions applied, the deadline for preliminary results became February 5, 2026.

Scope of the Order

The review concerns shipments of HFC blends from China. The full description is provided in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum available on the ACCESS online portal.

Preliminary No Shipments Determination

Zhejiang Yonghe Refrigerant Co., Ltd. certified that it made no shipments of subject merchandise to the U.S. during the review period.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data supported this claim. Commerce therefore made a preliminary determination of no shipments by this company.

However, the review of this company will not be rescinded. Final instructions to CBP will be issued after the final results.

Preliminary Affiliation and Single Entity Determination

Commerce determined that three companies are affiliated under Section 771(33)(F) of the Tariff Act of 1930:

  • Zhejiang Sanmei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
  • Jiangsu Sanmei Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd.
  • Fujian Qingliu Dongying Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd.

They are treated as a single entity (Sanmei), per 19 CFR 351.401(f)(1)-(2).

Separate Rate Status

Sanmei, the only individually examined company in this review, was preliminarily found eligible for a separate rate.

China-Wide Entity Findings

Several companies failed to demonstrate eligibility for a separate rate. As a result, Commerce considers them part of the China-wide entity. This entity is not under review and maintains a rate of 216.37%.

The companies considered part of the China-wide entity are listed in Appendix II of the notice.

Methodology

The Department applied Section 751(a)(1)(B) of the Tariff Act. Export prices were calculated under Section 772. Normal value was determined under Section 773(c), as China is considered a non-market economy.

Preliminary Results

The weighted-average dumping margin for Sanmei is calculated as:

  • 182.61%

This applies to the Sanmei entity, which includes Zhejiang Sanmei, Jiangsu Sanmei, and Fujian Qingliu.

Disclosure

Commerce intends to disclose its analysis and calculations within five days of publication, as required under 19 CFR 351.224(b).

Public Comment Opportunity

Interested parties must submit case briefs within 21 days of publication. Rebuttal briefs are due five days later.

Briefs must include:

  • Table of contents
  • Table of authorities
  • Executive summary of each issue (limited to 450 words)

Submissions must be filed electronically through the ACCESS system.

Hearing requests must be submitted within 30 days. The request must include:

  • Requester’s name, address, and phone number
  • Number of participants
  • Foreign national status (if any)
  • List of topics to be discussed

Final Results

Final results will be published within 120 days of this notice, unless extended.

Assessment Rates

After the final results:

  • Commerce will instruct CBP to assess duties based on importer-specific rates.
  • If the calculated rate is zero or de minimis, entries will be liquidated without duty.
  • Unreported entries will be assessed at the China-wide rate of 216.37%.
  • No-shipment entries for Zhejiang Yonghe will be assessed at the applicable cash deposit rate.

Cash Deposit Requirements

Effective upon publication:

  • Sanmei’s entries will follow the final rate unless de minimis.
  • Other exporters with separate prior rates will retain them.
  • All others will use the China-wide rate of 216.37%.
  • Non-Chinese exporters will adopt the rate of their Chinese supplier.

Importer Notification

Importers must file certificates of reimbursement of duties. Failure may result in double antidumping duties being applied.

Legal Authority

This notice is issued under sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.213(d)(4) and 351.221(b)(4).

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
February 5, 2026.

Appendix II – Companies Considered Part of China-Wide Entity

  1. Best Inc. Limited
  2. Changzhou Vista Chemical Co., Ltd.
  3. Daikin Fluorochemicals (China) Co., Ltd.
  4. Dongyang Weihua Refrigerants Co., Ltd.
  5. Hangzhou Icetop Refrigeration Co., Ltd.
  6. ICool Chemical Co. Ltd.
  7. Oasis Chemical Co., Limited
  8. Qingdao Shingchem New Material Co.
  9. Sinochem Environmental Protection Chemicals (Taicang) Co., Ltd.
  10. Superfy Industrial Limited
  11. Tianjin Synergy Gases Products, Co., Ltd.
  12. Weitron International Refrigeration Equipment (Kunshan) Co., Ltd.
  13. Weitron International Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd.
  14. Yangfar Industry Co., Ltd.
  15. Zhejiang Hoating Lighting Co., Ltd.
  16. Zhejiang Lantian Environmental Protection Fluoro Material Co. Ltd.
  17. Zhejiang Quzhou Lianzhou Refrigerants Co., Ltd.
  18. Zhejiang Zhonglan Refrigeration Technology Co., Ltd.

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This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.