The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has initiated an anti-circumvention investigation into disposable aluminum containers, pans, trays, and lids imported from Vietnam and Thailand, citing possible evasion of duties on Chinese aluminum products, Vietnam News has reported→view source.
Key details:
- The probe began on July 11 after a petition from the Aluminum Foil Container Manufacturers Association.
- The association alleged that Vietnamese and Thai manufacturers used aluminum foil from China, processed it locally, and then exported finished goods to the US to avoid antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese containers.
- The DOC has not yet selected mandatory respondents.
- A preliminary conclusion is expected by December 4, 2025, with a final decision by May 4, 2026.
- Vietnam’s Trade Remedies Authority has urged local exporters to review practices, ensure compliance with US procedures, and fully cooperate to protect their interests.
The investigation underscores growing US scrutiny of supply chain routes involving Vietnam, highlighting challenges for exporters who rely on Chinese inputs.
This came to the fore earlier this month when two tariff rates for Vietnamese imports into the US were announced.
The first, 20 percent on Vietnamese goods, the second 40 percent on goods ‘transshipped’ through Vietnam.
It has not been made clear what constitutes ‘transshipped’.
See also: Trans shipping: To What Extent is Vietnam China’s backdoor to the U.S.?