US imposes global safeguard measures on Vietnamese fine denier polyester staple

The product with the HS code 5503.20.00 is classified under HS 5503.20.0025 or 9813.00.0520. This decision will take effect from November 23.

Accordingly, safeguard measures will be applied in the form of an import quota for four years, with the quota being set at zero in the first year and subsequently increasing by one million pounds in each of the following three years. The US intends to conduct a mid-term review for the measures before the end of the second year.

The case was initiated by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) on February 28, following a petition filed by US manufacturers of fine denier polyester staple fibers, including Fiber Industries LLC d/b/a Darling Fibers, Nan Ya Plastics Corp, America, and Sun Fiber LLC.

The producers allege that the import of fine denier polyester staple fiber have increased significantly compared to domestic production and consumption, a factor causing serious injury and affecting the domestic industry.

According to statistics compiled by the USITC, the country exported approximately US$5.9 million worth of the products to the US between 2021 and 2023, ranking eighth among global exporters and accounting for 3% of the US’ total import value of the products.

Back in 2017, products from the Republic of Korea, India, China, Taiwan (China), and Vietnam were all subject to an anti-dumping investigation by the US. Later, Vietnam was excluded from the scope of investigation at the request of the US producers.

At present, the 2017 decision remains in effect, with the exception of Vietnam.