US imposes anti-dumping duties on PP corrugated boxes from China, straining exports

The US Department of Commerce has officially issued anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on PP corrugated boxes from China. Industry associations expect the measures to increase overhead costs for Chinese plastic product exporters.

The anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders are based on the final ruling made by the US International Trade Commission (USITC).

Earlier this month, USITC determined that the US packaging industry was materially injured because imported PP corrugated boxes from China were being sold at “less than fair value” and subsidized by the government of China.

According to the US Department of Commerce’s final decision, the weighted-average dumping margin for “China‑wide entity” is 83.64%. The cash deposit rate (adjusted for subsidy offsets) is 82.21%. The estimated countervailable subsidy rate is 62.27%.

In response to the trade protection measures, China Plastics Processing Industry Association (CPPIA) states: “Measures such as conducting anti-dumping and countervailing investigations have increased the difficulty and cost of China’s plastic product exports.”

“From the recent export data, it can be seen that, except for a few products with technological advantages and market competitiveness, most traditional export categories such as daily-use plastic products, plastic packaging boxes, containers, and their accessories have experienced varying degrees of decline in export value.”

“This reflects the increasing competitive pressure faced by Chinese plastic products in the international market and the further uncertainty in export growth.”

Exploring emerging markets

In the analysis report for the economic operation of China’s plastic processing industry in 2025, CPPIA emphasizes that the sector must place technological innovation at the core of its development.

“We should drive the industry toward functionality, high-end development, greater integration, sustainability, intelligence, and internationalization through technological breakthroughs and innovative business models,” says CPPIA

“Companies should participate in the development and revision of international standards, promote the alignment and mutual recognition of domestic standards with international standards, and further enhance the competitiveness of Chinese products in the global market.”

Meanwhile, CPPIA also encourages companies to explore emerging markets such as countries along the Belt and Road initiative, ASEAN, the Middle East, and Latin America. 

“This can be achieved by establishing overseas R&D centers, production bases, or forming joint ventures with local enterprises, thereby building a more stable overseas market network.”

Recently, the UK Trade Remedies Authority launched two investigations into glass container imports from China and Türkiye that examine whether unfair competition and trading practices are harming the UK glass industry.