US & Australia Launch Trade Probes on Chinese Goods

On November 13,the US Department of Commerce announced the initiation of double - anti investigations into hard gelatin capsules imported from Brazil,China,India,and Vietnam.This action was launched in response to an application submitted by the US company Lonza Greenwood LLC on October 28,mainly involving products under US Customs codes 9602.00.1040 and 9602.00.5010.The US International Trade Commission is expected to make a preliminary ruling on industry injury no later than December 9,2024.If it is determined that the imported products under investigation have caused material injury or threat to the US domestic industry,the US Department of Commerce will continue the investigation,and is expected to make a preliminary counter - vailing ruling on January 17,2025,and a preliminary anti - dumping ruling on April 2,2025.

On November 13,the U.S.Department of Commerce announced the initiation of a "double anti-dumping and anti-subsidy" investigation into hard hollow capsules imported from Brazil,China,India,and Vietnam.This action was launched in response to an application submitted by U.S.company Lonza Greenwood LLC on October 28,primarily involving products under U.S.customs codes 9602.00.1040 and 9602.00.5010.The U.S.International Trade Commission is expected to issue a preliminary ruling on industry harm by December 9,2024 at the latest.If it is determined that the imported products in question have caused substantial harm or threat to the U.S.domestic industry,the U.S.Department of Commerce will continue the investigation and is expected to issue a preliminary anti-subsidy ruling on January 17,2025,and a preliminary anti-dumping ruling on April 2,2025.

Subsequently,on November 18,the U.S.Department of Commerce announced again that it would launch an "anti-dumping and countervailing" investigation into lift door torsion springs imported from China and India.The investigation was initiated in response to applications submitted by U.S.companies IDC Group,Inc.Iowa Spring Manufacturing,Inc.and Service Spring Corp.on October 29,mainly involving products under U.S.customs codes 7320.20.5020,7320.20.5045,and 7320.20.5060.The U.S.International Trade Commission is expected to make a preliminary ruling on industry harm by December 13,2024 at the latest.If it is determined that the import of the products involved causes substantial harm or threat to the U.S.domestic industry,the U.S.Department of Commerce will continue to conduct an in-depth investigation and is expected to make a preliminary ruling on countervailing duties on January 22,2025,and a preliminary ruling on anti-dumping duties on April 7,2025.

At the same time,Australia has also joined the ranks of countries conducting trade investigations against China.On November 15,the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement No.2024/093,announcing the initiation of a "double anti-dumping and anti-subsidy" investigation into imports of hot-rolled steel coils from China.This investigation was launched in response to an application submitted by Australian domestic company BlueScope Steel Limited.The products involved include all thicknesses of hot-rolled steel coils (including sheet materials),with or without embossed patterns (commonly known as patterned steel plates),whether containing alloys or not,uncoated,plated,or coated (except oil-coated products).Steel plate products and flat steel bars are not included in the investigation.The Australian customs codes of the products involved are 7208.10.00.31,7208.25.00.32,7208.26.00.33,7208.27.00.34,7208.36.00.35,7208.37.00.36,7208.38.00.37,7208.39.00.38,7208.40.00.39,7208.53.00.42,7208.54.00.43,7208.90.00.30,7211.14.00.40,7211.19.00.41,7225.30.00.17,7225.40.00.22,7225.40.00.24,and 7226.91.00.67.The dumping investigation period is from October 1,2023 to September 30,2024,and the injury investigation period starts from October 1,2020.The Australian Anti-Dumping Commission expects to complete the basic fact report no later than March 5,2025,and submit the final ruling report to the Minister of Industry and Science on April 22,2025.

Industry experts said that the continuous initiation of these “double - anti” investigations reflects the rising trend of global trade protectionism,which may have an adverse impact on Chinas relevant export industries.Affected enterprises should attach great importance to it,closely monitor the progress of the investigations,and actively prepare countermeasures,including collecting favorable evidence and seeking legal support.

At the same time,enterprises engaged in trade with the United States and Australia should conduct risk management in advance,assess potential market changes and policy risks,and adjust their export strategies to reduce possible losses.Relevant government departments should also actively intervene,communicate with the other parties through diplomatic channels,and strive to maintain a fair and just international trade environment.

Experts also suggest that under the current complex and changeable international trade situation,enterprises should continuously improve their competitiveness,improve the compliance system,ensure product quality and service levels,so as to enhance their risk resistance in the international market.

In short,the recent trade frictions remind us that the global trade environment is full of uncertainties.Enterprises and the government need to work together to actively respond to challenges,seek diversified markets and partners,and achieve sustainable development.