US starts anti-circumvention probe into aluminum containers imported from Vietnam

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has initiated anti-circumvention investigations into disposable aluminum containers, pans, trays, and lids imported from Vietnam and Thailand, according to the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The investigation is being carried out on suspicion that these products used aluminum foil manufactured in China and were then completed in third countries to circumvent the antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders on aluminum containers from China.

The probe was launched on July 11 following a petition by the Aluminum Foil Containers Manufacturers Association, which alleged that manufacturers in Vietnam and Thailand had been importing aluminum foil from China, processing them locally and exporting the finished goods to the U.S. to avoid duty imposed on Chinese exports.

DOC has not yet selected mandatory respondents for the case but is expected to make decisions on data provided by the US Customs and Border Protection.

Under the U.S. trade regulations, a preliminary conclusion is expected within 150 days of initiation, by December 4, while a final determination is scheduled within 300 days, by May 4, 2026.

The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam urged local producers and exporters to review their practices for the products within the scope of the investigation to ensure compliance with the U.S. procedures and fully cooperate with the authority to safeguard their legitimate interests.