US to keep tariffs on Chinese passenger and light-truck tires

The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has decided to uphold existing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on passenger vehicle and light-truck (PC/LT) tires imported from China after a five-year sunset review. In a 23 June ruling, the commission concluded that lifting the measures would “likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time,” ensuring the tariffs remain in force. Commissioners Jason Kearns and Amy Karpel voted to maintain the duties, while chairman David Johanson dissented. The expedited review, launched on 2 January under US trade law and international agreements, proceeded after the USITC found sufficient participation from domestic producers but insufficient responses from Chinese respondents. The full report is due for publication by 30 July. The original duties were first imposed in 2015 and later extended for a second five-year term in 2021. Current tariff rates vary by manufacturer, ranging from 14% to 88% for anti-dumping duties and from 21% to 101% for countervailing duties on Chinese tire imports.