Vietnam Anti-Dumping Investigation AD23: What Exporters Must Know and Do Now

Introduction

Vietnam has officially launched Vietnam anti-dumping investigation AD23 against ceramic and porcelain tiles originating from India. This case, announced through Decision No. 2333/QD-BCT on August 18, 2025, represents a significant trade development for exporters and importers alike.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), through the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (TRAV), has issued a Sampling Questionnaire to foreign producers and exporters, requiring urgent attention. The deadline for submission is September 10, 2025 (Hanoi time).

We refer to Announcement No. 131/TB-PVTM dated August 25, 2025 and Vietnam’s alignment with WTO anti-dumping rules to provide a structured guide on the investigation process, legal obligations, deadlines, and practical strategies that exporters should follow to safeguard their commercial interests.

Background of Anti-dumping Investigation AD23

The Vietnam anti-dumping investigation AD23 concerns certain ceramic and porcelain tiles exported from India to Vietnam. Vietnamese producers alleged that imports were being dumped, thereby threatening or causing material injury to the domestic industry.

Based on preliminary evidence, MOIT initiated the case to determine whether dumping exists and whether trade remedies are warranted.

The period of investigation runs from July 1st, 2024 to June 30th, 2025. Additional years of data may be reviewed to assess trends in injury.

Legal Basis of Anti-dumping Investigation AD23

The investigation is conducted under:

• The Law on Foreign Trade Management (2017);
• Decree No. 86/2025/ND-CP on trade remedies;
• Circular 26/2025/TT-BCT; and
• WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement provisions.

This ensures that Vietnam anti-dumping investigation AD23 is consistent with international standards of transparency, due process, and rights of defense.

The Sampling Questionnaire

The central immediate task for foreign producers/exporters is the Sampling Questionnaire.

• Purpose: To allow TRAV to select representative companies for the full investigation.
• Content: Information on company structure, production, sales, costs, exports to Vietnam, and domestic sales.
• Format: Two versions – a Confidential version and a Limited Circulation version.
• Submission: Must be uploaded via TRAV system and followed by a signed hard copy plus USB submission .

Failure to submit by the deadline will result in the company being treated as non-cooperative, which can lead to reliance on adverse facts available, typically resulting in higher dumping margins.

Timeline and Procedures

The investigation follows a step-by-step process:

1. Initiation – MOIT’s decision to investigate.
2. Questionnaire Phase – September 10th, 2025 as the deadline.
3. Verification – TRAV may conduct on-site verification at company headquarters or production sites to confirm submitted data.
4. Preliminary Findings – MOIT may impose provisional duties within 90–180 days if evidence supports dumping and injury.
5. Final Decision – within 12 months (extendable to 18 months), a final ruling on dumping and anti-dumping duties is made.

For exporters, full cooperation at each stage of Vietnam anti-dumping investigation AD23 is essential.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Under Article 75 of the Law on Foreign Trade Management, exporters can request confidential treatment of sensitive business information. However, non-confidential summaries must also be provided. Companies should carefully mark confidential sections and prepare parallel public versions to avoid disclosure of trade secrets while still complying with the rules.

Risks of Non-Cooperation

Failure to respond to the Sampling Questionnaire or incomplete/incorrect submissions can result in:

• Application of highest possible dumping margins;
• Loss of procedural rights, including access to case files;
• Reduced ability to challenge findings.

In short, ignoring or mishandling the questionnaire in Vietnam anti-dumping investigation AD23 is likely to lead to a much worse outcome.

Cooperation Guidance for Exporters

Exporters facing Vietnam anti-dumping investigation AD23 should take the following actions immediately:

1. Engage experienced legal counsel familiar with Vietnam’s trade remedy system.
2. Assign internal resources to collect, translate, and verify accounting, sales, and production data.
3. Submit on time via TRAV system, ensuring technical and procedural compliance.
4. Prepare for verification visits by TRAV, which may include plant tours and access to original records.
5. Coordinate with industry associations or other exporters where appropriate, to ensure consistent arguments.

Implications for Importers and Vietnamese Buyers

Importers in Vietnam relying on Indian tile supplies should anticipate potential cost increases. If anti-dumping duties are imposed, landed prices may rise significantly, and supply chain adjustments may be necessary. Monitoring the progress of Vietnam anti-dumping investigation AD23 is therefore equally critical for downstream businesses.

Conclusion

The launch of Vietnam anti-dumping investigation AD23 signals a serious development in Vietnam’s trade remedy practice. Exporters and importers should treat the Sampling Questionnaire and upcoming deadlines with utmost priority. Early, accurate, and cooperative participation is the only effective way to mitigate risks and safeguard market access in Vietnam.

Our firm is closely monitoring the investigation and is ready to assist exporters and importers in preparing submissions, responding to TRAV, and ensuring compliance with Vietnamese and WTO trade remedy rules.

Deadline reminder: Responses to the Sampling Questionnaire must be submitted by September 10, 2025.

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