U.S. Department of Commerce Determines Sale of Chinese Van-Type Trailers at Less Than Fair Value

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Background and Process

In a recent announcement, the United States Department of Commerce (Commerce) declared its final affirmative determination regarding the sales of van-type trailers from the People’s Republic of China. The agency concluded that these trailers are being sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV) during the period between April 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025. This decision was released on August 31, 2026, as per the Federal Register Volume 91, Issue 167.

This determination follows a preliminary analysis published on June 15, 2026. Commerce had invited interested parties to comment on their initial findings. The final decision takes into account the issues raised by an interested party, which are detailed in the associated Issues and Decision Memorandum accessible via Commerce’s Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS).

Scope of Investigation

The investigation centers on van-type trailers from China. These trailers are generally rectangular with a fully enclosed cargo space. The report detailed that the investigation includes both complete trailers and subassemblies, whether finished or unfinished. Subassemblies involve parts such as subframes, door assemblies, and running gear subassemblies.

Comments and Outcome

Commerce received scope comments from various parties. However, after analysis, they made no changes to the scope of the investigation as detailed in the Final Scope Decision Memorandum.

Determination and Implications

The determination discovered certain Chinese producers/exporters had a weighted-average dumping margin of 130.86 percent. Commerce will continue to suspend liquidation of entries that fall under their described conditions, instructing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to continue requiring cash deposits. The cash deposit rate is adjusted to account for export subsidy offsets.

Next Steps and Conclusion

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is set to make its final injury determination within 45 days of this announcement. If the ITC confirms material injury or threat thereof, Commerce will instruct CBP to assess duties accordingly. In the event of a negative determination by ITC, the proceedings will be terminated, refunds of cash deposits will occur, and the suspension of liquidation will be lifted.

This determination aims to ensure fair trading practices and address potential harm to the U.S. industry by imported van-type trailers.

For further information, parties can consult the Federal Register and various Commerce memoranda for comprehensive details on this ruling.

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