U.S. Finds Chinese Polypropylene Corrugated Boxes Sold at Less Than Fair Value
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The U.S. Department of Commerce says that polypropylene corrugated boxes from China are being sold in the United States at less than fair value. This is called an “affirmative preliminary determination” in an antidumping investigation.
Time Period Investigated
The time period studied was July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
What is Being Investigated
The investigation is about boxes made from corrugated sheets of polypropylene. These boxes are used to hold or carry goods. The boxes can be any size, shape, or style. They can have handles, lids, tops, or be made in one piece, two pieces, or more. The investigation also covers lids or tops by themselves.
How the Boxes are Made
The boxes are made from plastic sheets that have air channels inside. These make the boxes strong but still light. The plastic used is at least 50% polypropylene.
Where the Boxes are Classified
These boxes are classified in U.S. customs under number 3923.10.9000. The written description is most important for determining what is covered.
Results of the Investigation
No companies from China responded to the government’s requests for information. Because of this, Commerce used facts available “with adverse inferences” to set the dumping rate for all exporters from China.
Dumping Margins
The Commerce Department says the “China-wide entity” has a weighted-average dumping margin of 83.64 percent. The cash deposit rate, after adjusting for subsidies, is 73.10 percent.
What Happens Next
U.S. Customs must suspend liquidation of these products brought into the U.S. on or after August 28, 2025. Importers must pay cash deposits based on the dumping margin.
If changes happen in a related countervailing duty case, the deposit rates could change. These rules stay in effect until more notice is given.
Public Comment Period
Interested parties have 30 days to send in written comments, called “case briefs.” They can send in rebuttal briefs 5 days after that. Everyone who sends briefs must include a table of contents and a list of legal sources. Summaries of each argument (about 450 words) should be put at the start of each brief.
Anyone wanting a hearing must request one in writing within 30 days of the notice. Hearings will be only about issues in these briefs.
What Happens Later
Commerce will make its final decision within 75 days of this preliminary determination.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will be told about this preliminary decision. If Commerce says in its final decision that dumping has happened, the ITC will decide if this has hurt the U.S. industry.
Scope of the Investigation
The full description of the products and steps of the investigation are posted on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance website.
More Information
The official notice and more details are published in the Federal Register Volume 90, Number 165, on August 28, 2025. For questions, contact Dan Alexander at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Legal Disclaimer
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.
