The American Molded Fiber Coalition (AMFC) welcomed interim action by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in an investigation into suspected evasion of antidumping and countervailing duties on thermoformed molded fiber products from China.
The investigation concerns allegations that Chinese products were transshipped through Malaysia and declared as Malaysian in origin to avoid the applicable US duties. These remain allegations under investigation; CBP’s interim action was based on reasonable suspicion, rather than a final determination.
CBP initiated EAPA Consolidated Case No. 8308 on 9 September 2026 and imposed interim measures against Teh Tung Corporation, Acadian Crossing Consumer Products and Verde Winsight Group, Inc. Final determinations are scheduled by 30 March 2027.
Trade flows and production records under review
The public notice described evidence including commercial trade data on movements of molded fiber products between China, Malaysia and the United States, as well as information on Malaysian suppliers’ production capabilities.
CBP requested invoices, bills of lading, information on raw materials, manufacturing records, purchase orders and customs documentation. After reviewing the available record, it found reasonable suspicion of evasion through transshipment and applied measures intended to protect US revenue while the investigation continues.
The Enforce and Protect Act provides procedures for investigating duty-evasion allegations and allows CBP to obtain information from importers, overseas manufacturers, exporters and other relevant parties.
United Steelworkers Legislative Director Roy Houseman welcomed the use of enforcement powers, saying effective action was necessary to protect workers and manufacturers from unfair competition through third-country routing.
Mark Ushpol, CEO of US thermoformed molded fiber producer Genera, said trade remedies deliver meaningful relief only when duties are enforced. He viewed the interim measures as a signal that suspected attempts to evade US trade rules would be scrutinised.
Gabriel Buenaventura, President of Tellus Products, also emphasised border enforcement as essential to the effectiveness of antidumping and countervailing duty orders.
AMFC counsel Yohai Baisburd, a partner at Cassidy Levy Kent, supported continued investigation of transshipment and inaccurate country-of-origin claims. The coalition said it would await completion of the investigation and action supported by the administrative record.
AMFC represents US producers and workers in the molded-fiber industry and advocates fair trade, enforcement of trade laws and investment in domestic sustainable manufacturing.
