The U.S. Commerce Department has started an investigation into the alleged dumping into the American market of Chinese-built trailer parts (chassis and sub-assemblies) and semi-truck trailers.
According to Reuters, the investigation could lead to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Chinese imports being hit with anti-dumping and countervailing duties to the tune of 188.05 per cent.
The Commerce Department will be investigating 30 Chinese subsidy programs, including grants, tax programs and even government loans. This petition was initiated by the Coalition of American Chassis Manufacturers, with members such as Cheetah Chassis Corp, Hercules Enterprises LLC, Pitts Enterprises Inc, Pratt Industries, Inc. and Stoughton Trailers LLC.
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Estimates suggest that $250 million worth of Chinese chassis and sub-assemblies were imported into the U.S. in 2018, with the U.S. Census Bureau showing $460 million worth of such products imported in 2019. However, these numbers only show import value data, as volume data is reported using different units of measure. Therefor, imports of chassis and sub-assemblies enter under HTSUS subheadings that cover subject and non-subject merchandise, meaning that the import data itself may be overstated.
As for what these truck semi-trailer chassis are usually used for, that would be hauling intermodal shipping containers around – a considerably lucrative activity.
On September 14, the U.S. International Trade Commission will put matters to a vote, whether or not to allow the probe to continue. The Commerce Department expects to issue preliminary anti-subsidy determinations on October 23, with anti-dumping determinations to follow on January 6, 2021.
You can find more information regarding this case by visiting the International Trade Administration website right here.
