U.S. Finds Chinese Temporary Steel Fencing Gets Unfair Subsidies
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On June 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary decision in a trade case about temporary steel fencing from China. The Department found that Chinese producers and exporters of this fencing are getting support from their government. This help is called a “countervailable subsidy.”
What Is Being Investigated
The investigation looks at “temporary steel fencing.” This fencing includes steel fence panels and stands. The panels have steel tubing and inside material like chain link or steel wire mesh. Most panels are 10 to 12 feet long and 6 to 8 feet high. Both the panels and stands are covered, whether they are imported together or by themselves.
Period of the Investigation
The period reviewed is from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Key Companies and Rates
Two companies were closely investigated:
- Hebei Minmetals Co., Ltd.: 33.27% subsidy rate
- Shijiazhuang SD Company Ltd.: 139.20% subsidy rate
Five companies did not answer questions from U.S. officials. These are:
- Anping County Xingpeng Hardware Co., Ltd.
- Shenzhou Yuelei Metal Products Co., Ltd.
- Sichuan Gold-Link Industry
- Sourcing Solution Co., Ltd.
- Tianjin Mengsheng Metal Products
These non-responsive companies got a rate of 301.83%. This rate is based on “adverse facts available” because they did not cooperate.
“All-other” producers and exporters who were not individually investigated received an 86.24% subsidy rate.
Critical Circumstances
The Department of Commerce found “critical circumstances” for some imports. This means they believe companies rushed products into the U.S. to avoid possible duties. The companies affected by this are Hebei Minmetals, the five non-responsive companies, and all-other companies. One company, Shijiazhuang SD, was not found to have critical circumstances.
Suspension of Liquidation
For the affected companies with critical circumstances, U.S. Customs will hold back (“suspend liquidation” of) entries made on or after 90 days before this notice was published. For Shijiazhuang SD, the suspension begins on the date of notice.
Importers must pay a cash deposit for the above rates.
Scope of Products Covered
The fencing includes panels and stands, coated or not, in any size over six square feet and weighing more than four pounds. The scope also covers items finished or packed in another country, as long as they match these rules. Only the fencing from China is covered, not any extra parts or accessories that may come with it.
Next Steps
The Department of Commerce will now check (“verify”) the information used for this preliminary finding. Interested parties can submit arguments (“case briefs”) after the last verification report is released. Hearings may also be requested.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) will decide if the imports hurt U.S. companies. If the final decision stays the same, these duties will continue.
This finding is open to public review. All related details and documents are available to the public online.
Key Dates
- Notice published: June 20, 2025
- Final determination expected: October 27, 2025 (unless delayed)
Contact Information
Questions may be directed to Natasia Byrd or Janaé Martin at the Department of Commerce, Enforcement and Compliance, Office VI, Washington, DC.
Source: Federal Register, Volume 90, Number 117 (Friday, June 20, 2025), Document Number: 2025-11383
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