The U.S. Department of Commerce reported July 30 its preliminary affirmative determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of van-type trailers and subassemblies from Mexico. The decision potentially takes a bite out of the margins of a pair of the largest U.S. trailer manufactures who build at least some of their trailers in Mexico.

Commerce found that van-type trailers imported from Mexico were sold at less than fair value and imposed preliminary AD duties ranging from 3.21% to 79.92%. The weighted average dumping margin for Hyundai de Mexico S.A. de C.V. was set at 10.19%, while Utility Trailer Manufacturing de México came in at 3.21%.

These preliminary AD duties are in addition to the preliminary countervailing duties (CVD) Commerce previously announced to address unfair subsidies provided to Mexican trailer producers.

Commerce also announced that it would apply the AD/CVD duties previously announced for van-type trailers imported from China to Chinese-origin merchandise shipped to the United States through Canada.

The action was initiated by the American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition, formed by Great Dane LLC, Stoughton Trailers LLC, and Wabash Corporation.

“These preliminary determinations represent another meaningful step toward restoring fair competition in the U.S. trailer market,” said Robert E. DeFrancesco, trade counsel to ATMC and partner in the International Trade Practice at Wiley. “We look forward to working with the Commerce Department over the final phase of the investigation to ensure the American trailer manufacturers and their employees receive the full measure of relief and can compete on a level playing field.”

For more information on the procedural process, the International Trade Commission’s “next steps” FAQ.

Look for complete coverage in the September print edition of TBB.