The U.S. Department of Commerce Initiated Anti-Dumping Investigation on Polypropylene Corrugated Box Products from Vietnam and China

On April 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issued a notice initiating an anti-dumping investigation on imports of corrugated polypropylene boxes from Vietnam and China (Case No.: A-552-850). Key information regarding the investigation against Vietnam is as follows:

Petitioners:

• • CoolSeal USA

• • Inteplast Group

• • SeaCa Plastic Packaging & Technology Container

Period of Investigation:

From July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Scope of Investigation:

The product under investigation is corrugated polypropylene boxes.

Corrugated polypropylene boxes include boxes, containers, trays, or other load-bearing receptacles designed to hold goods, made from corrugated polypropylene sheets—also known as hollow-core polypropylene sheets, ribbed polypropylene sheets, twin-wall polypropylene sheets, or multi-wall polypropylene sheets. These polypropylene sheets are referred to as “corrugated”, “ribbed”, or “hollow-core”, meaning the interior of the sheet contains channels or air pockets that make it lightweight while maintaining strength and rigidity. The corrugated polypropylene boxes are typically made from polypropylene resin containing 50% or more polypropylene content.

Corrugated polypropylene boxes within the scope of this investigation are included regardless of whether the material is homo-polymer polypropylene, co-polymer polypropylene, recycled or virgin polypropylene, or includes additives such as anti-static agents or flame retardants.

The polypropylene sheets may be cut, die-cut, or scored to form boxes. The boxes may be single-piece (monolithic), two-piece (separate base and lid), or multi-piece (assembled from multiple components). Assembly may be performed using staples, adhesives, heat sealing, or glue, and may include manufacturer-provided joints to aid in assembly. The boxes may also be printed using ink or digital printing.

Goods covered by the scope of investigation include corrugated polypropylene boxes with or without handles, with or without lids or top parts, with or without reinforcement straps, regardless of whether they are single-piece, two-piece, or multi-piece, and whether or not they are folded into shape. The scope also includes all sizes and shapes of corrugated polypropylene boxes, and separately imported lids or tops of such boxes.

The products under investigation are currently classified under HTSUS code: 3923.10.9000.

Alleged Dumping Margin:

As the United States treats Vietnam as a non-market economy, the DOC will use third-country surrogate values to calculate the dumping margin for Vietnam. In this case, the petitioners have proposed Indonesia as the surrogate country, citing its similar level of economic development to Vietnam and a significant number of polypropylene box manufacturers. The DOC has alleged a dumping margin of 52.07% for Vietnam.

Important Deadlines (Eastern Time):

• • LinkedIn