On April 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) received a petition requesting anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into portable or stationary air compressors imported from Malaysia, China, and Viet Nam.

1. General Information on the Case

The case has been registered under case numbers A-552-856 (for AD) and C-552-857 (for CVD). The products under investigation are various types of air compressors, primarily classified under HS codes 8414.80.16.15, 8414.80.16.25, 8414.80.16.35, and 8414.80.16.85. The petitioner is MAT Industries, LLC, with the petition filed on April 30, 2026.

The petition identifies 12 Vietnamese companies alleged to have engaged in dumping and received subsidies. The proposed period of investigation is 2025 for both AD and CVD, while the injury review period spans from 2023 to 2025. According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), in 2025, exports of the subject products from Viet Nam to the United States reached approximately USD 81 million, accounting for 6% of total imports and representing a 42% increase compared to 2023.

Regarding dumping allegations, the alleged dumping margins for Vietnamese products range from 37.08% to 149.51%. As the United States considers Viet Nam a non-market economy, the DOC is expected to use surrogate values from a third country to calculate dumping margins, with Indonesia, Tunisia, or El Salvador proposed as reference countries.

Regarding subsidy allegations, the petitioner does not specify a particular subsidy margin but claims that Vietnamese companies benefited from a total of 46 government support programs. These programs cover major categories such as credit and guarantees, tax incentives, land policies, financial assistance, provision of utilities at preferential rates, and cross-border support related to foreign financial institutions.

2. Investigation Procedures

In AD and CVD cases in the United States, the DOC is responsible for investigating dumping and subsidy practices, while the ITC assesses injury to the domestic industry. Duties are imposed only if both agencies reach affirmative determinations.

Under standard procedures, after receiving a petition, the government of the investigated country will engage in consultations with the DOC regarding subsidy-related content. The DOC has 20 days to review the petition and decide whether to initiate an investigation, expected by May 20, 2026, with possible extensions if necessary.

Subsequently, the ITC will issue a preliminary injury determination within 45 days from the filing date. If the determination is negative, the case will be terminated. Otherwise, the DOC will proceed to issue preliminary determinations on subsidies within 65 days and on dumping within 140 days from the initiation date. Final determinations by the DOC will follow within 75 days after the preliminary findings, and the ITC will issue its final injury determination within 45 days thereafter. If final determinations confirm violations and injury, the DOC will issue AD and CVD duty orders within 7 days.

3. Recommendations

In light of this development, Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters of air compressors should closely monitor the progress of the investigation and thoroughly study relevant U.S. regulations and procedures to develop appropriate response strategies in the event the case is initiated. Diversification of export markets and products should also be considered to mitigate risks.

In addition, companies should fully and timely cooperate with U.S. investigating authorities throughout the process, as failure to cooperate or incomplete cooperation may result in the application of adverse facts available or the highest duty rates. Enterprises are also advised to proactively register accounts on the DOC’s IA ACCESS system to stay updated and fulfill filing obligations.

Finally, maintaining regular coordination with the Trade Remedies Authority of Viet Nam is essential to receive timely support and safeguard legitimate rights and interests during the proceedings.

To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Viet Nam Antidumping Law Firm specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy for timely assistance.

Source: ASLGate