Anti-Dumping Investigation on Wood Fiber Boards from Thailand and China (AD21)

On September 25, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade officially initiated an anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21) by issuing Decision No. 2549/QĐ-BCT. This investigation covers wood fiber boards originating from Thailand and China, specifically classified under HS codes 4411.12.00, 4411.13.00, 4411.14.00, 4411.92.00, 4411.93.00, and 4411.94.00. The investigation is conducted under case number AD21, marking a significant move to protect Vietnam’s domestic manufacturing sector.

The decision to launch the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21) was based on a thorough review of a dossier submitted by Vietnamese producers, which included major companies like VRG Dongwha MDF Joint Stock Company, Dongwha Vietnam Co., Ltd, VRG Quang Tri MDF Joint Stock Company, Kim Tin MDF Joint Stock Company, and Kim Tin MDF Dong Phu Joint Stock Company. This dossier was submitted on July 29, 2024, and after careful examination, it was deemed complete and valid, leading to the investigation’s initiation.

These domestic companies have raised concerns that wood fiber boards imported from Thailand and China are being sold at unfairly low prices, a practice commonly referred to as “dumping.” This practice has allegedly caused significant damage to Vietnam’s domestic wood fiber board industry, prompting the need for an anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21).

Next Steps in the Anti-Dumping Investigation:

Following the launch of the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21), the Ministry of Industry and Trade will follow a set legal process to gather information and determine the validity of the claims. The process includes the following steps:

1.Issuing an investigation questionnaire: As part of the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China, the Ministry will send detailed questionnaires to relevant stakeholders, including exporters, importers, and domestic manufacturers. These questionnaires will collect data on pricing practices, production costs, and the potential impact on the Vietnamese market.

2.Verification of information: After receiving the responses, the Ministry will validate the information provided by the various parties. This step is crucial to ensure that the data used in the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21) is accurate, transparent, and reflects the real situation.

3.Temporary measures: If the preliminary findings of the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21) show strong evidence of dumping and significant damage to the domestic industry, the Ministry may impose temporary anti-dumping duties on the imported products. These measures aim to prevent further harm while the investigation is still ongoing.

4.Public consultations: To maintain transparency during the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21), the Ministry will organize public consultations. All parties involved will have the opportunity to present their case, exchange information, and submit evidence, ensuring that the investigation remains balanced and just.

5.Final determination: After completing the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21), the Ministry will issue a final determination. If the investigation confirms the allegations of dumping, anti-dumping duties will be officially imposed, safeguarding the domestic wood fiber board industry from unfair competition.

Investigation Process and Legal Procedures:

The anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21) will follow a structured process in accordance with Vietnamese law. Below is an overview of the key steps involved:

1.Receiving and reviewing the dossier: The initial step involves domestic producers submitting a dossier requesting an anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21). The Ministry will assess the dossier within 45 days to ensure it meets all legal requirements.

2.Initiating the investigation: If the dossier is approved, the Ministry will initiate the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21) within 60 days of receiving the complete application.

3.Preliminary investigation: A preliminary investigation will be conducted over a period of 90 to 150 days. The findings from this phase could lead to temporary anti-dumping duties if significant evidence is found during the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China.

4.Final investigation phase: The final phase of the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China must be completed within 12 months of the investigation’s initiation, though this period can be extended by an additional six months if needed.

5.Final conclusion: After completing the investigation, the Ministry will release its final conclusions. If dumping is confirmed, anti-dumping duties will be imposed for a period of five years, with the possibility of renewal if necessary.

• Recommendations for Relevant Parties:

Businesses involved in the import, distribution, or use of the investigated products should register as interested parties during the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China (AD21). By doing so, they can protect their legal rights and provide essential information to ensure a fair investigation. Cooperation from all stakeholders is vital for the success and transparency of the anti-dumping investigation on wood fiber boards from Thailand and China.

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