South Africa is investigating allegations of anti-dumping duty evasion on truck, bus, and car tires from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. This investigation directly impacts Vietnamese truck tire exports to the South African market.
South Africa Launches Anti-Circumvention Investigation into Tire Imports
On September 26, 2024, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade received notification from the Trade Remedies Authority of South Africa regarding the initiation of an anti-circumvention investigation into dumped imports of tires for cars, buses, and trucks from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) alleges that Vietnam is circumventing existing anti-dumping duties imposed on China. This investigation has significant implications for the Vietnamese truck tire industry.
Details of the Investigation
- Tariff Codes: 4011.10.01, 4011.10.03, 4011.10.05, 4011.10.07, 4011.10.09, 4011.20.16, 4011.20.18, and 4011.20.26.
- Initiation Date: September 20, 2024.
- Anti-Dumping Investigation Period: November 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024.
- Circumvention Investigation Period: March 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022; October 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023; April 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023; and November 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024.
- Alleged Dumping Margin for Vietnam: 84%.
Previously, in May 2023, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) imposed anti-dumping duties on similar tires originating from China, ranging from 7.18% to 43.60%. This circumvention investigation indicates South Africa’s increased scrutiny of Vietnamese truck tire imports.
Process and Recommendations for Vietnamese Truck Tire Businesses
ITAC will send the public version of the Application for Investigation, the Notice of Initiation, and the Questionnaire to Vietnamese tire manufacturers and exporters within seven days of the initiation date (September 27, 2024).
Businesses should:
- Submit their Questionnaire responses by 3:00 PM on October 28, 2024 (South African time) to: The Senior Manager, Trade Remedies II, Private Bag X753, PRETORIA, 0001, South Africa.
- Send any related arguments or comments to the same address.
- Fully cooperate and provide all information requested by ITAC.
- Diversify export markets.
- Regularly update information and communicate with the Trade Remedies Authority for timely support.
Conclusion
This investigation could lead to the imposition of anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese truck tires, impacting export activities. Businesses should proactively gather information, cooperate with authorities, and prepare appropriate response strategies. Market diversification and enhanced competitiveness are crucial to overcoming this challenge.
