China has declared plans to implement anti-circumvention measures on specific optical fiber imports from the United States, starting Thursday, according to the Commerce Ministry, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has reported that U.S. fiber optic producers and exporters have been changing trade patterns to ship certain cut-off shifted single-mode optical fiber to China without valid commercial reasons. According to a statement published on the MOFCOM website late Wednesday, the behavior weakens the impact of existing anti-dumping measures and constitutes an attempt to circumvent China’s anti-dumping rules on related U.S. optical fiber products.
The decision follows China’s first-ever anti-circumvention investigation, a ministry spokesperson said, adding that the probe was launched after receiving an application from a domestic firm.
MOFCOM has indicated that U.S. exporters will be subject to anti-dumping tariffs ranging between 33.3% and 78.2%.
The ministry stated that the new measures aim to close regulatory gaps and promote a more equitable competitive landscape for China’s domestic optical fiber sector, which has been facing pricing challenges due to lower-cost imports. It also stressed that the action complies with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and is a necessary measure to protect China’s legitimate industrial and trade interests.
Under the newly imposed duties, Corning Incorporated is now subject to a 37.9% tariff, OFS Fitel LLC faces a 33.3% levy, and Draka Communications Americas is hit with a 78.2% rate.
China’s recent move underscores growing trade tensions with the United States, which have intensified following Washington’s imposition of additional tariffs on numerous Chinese products earlier this year. The decision also follows U.S. sanctions issued Wednesday against Chinese firm Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Company and two of its representatives for allegedly “manufacturing and coordinating shipments of illicit opioids and chemical agents” to the U.S.
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