TDC Global Consultancy | 15 April 2026 Category: Trade Remedies Update
Overview
On 9 April 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) received new petitions seeking the imposition of antidumping duties on imports of tin mill products from China, Taiwan and Turkey, alongside a countervailing duty petition targeting China. The petitions were filed by United States Steel Corporation and the United Steel Workers Union (USW).
This is the second time in recent years that U.S. tin mill product imports from Turkey have been targeted under U.S. trade remedy laws. Turkish exporters and producers of tinplate and chromium-coated steel sheet should be aware of the procedural steps ahead and the potential commercial implications.
Scope of the Investigation
The products covered by the petition include tin mill flat-rolled steel products coated or plated with tin, chromium, or chromium oxides. This encompasses both tinplate and tin-free steel (electrolytic chromium-coated steel), regardless of thickness, width, form, coating type, edge treatment, surface finish, or temper.
These products are primarily used in the manufacture of welded cans for food, aerosol, paint and general line applications, as well as two-piece drawn cans and ends for food packaging.
Key Procedural Milestones
The ITC is expected to reach its preliminary injury determination by 26 May 2026. If affirmative, the DOC will proceed with its own investigation, with preliminary CVD determinations anticipated around 3 July 2026 and preliminary AD determinations expected by 16 September 2026, subject to potential extensions.
Should the DOC issue affirmative preliminary determinations, U.S. importers will be required to post cash deposits corresponding to the estimated duty margins on all entries of subject merchandise from the relevant date. In cases involving critical circumstances findings, such deposit requirements may apply retroactively to entries made up to 90 days prior to the preliminary determination.
Implications for Turkish Exporters
Turkish producers and exporters of tin mill products should consider the following steps at the earliest opportunity:
- Assess exposure. Companies exporting tinplate or chromium-coated flat steel to the U.S. market should evaluate the volume and value of their shipments within the investigation period (April 2025 – March 2026) to understand their potential exposure.
- Prepare for cooperation. Exporters that fully cooperate with the DOC investigation — including timely and complete responses to questionnaires — are more likely to receive individually calculated, and typically lower, duty margins. Non-cooperation generally results in the application of adverse facts available, leading to significantly higher duty rates.
- Monitor the ITC conference. A staff conference in connection with the preliminary phase is scheduled for 30 April 2026. Interested parties intending to participate must submit appearance requests by 28 April 2026. Engagement at this early stage can be important for establishing a presence in the record.
- Coordinate with U.S. importers. Importers should be informed of the potential requirement to post cash deposits and the commercial implications this may carry for ongoing supply arrangements.
TDC Global’s Role
TDC Global Consultancy provides specialized advisory support to exporters and producers navigating antidumping proceedings in the United States and other jurisdictions. Our services include initial case assessment, questionnaire response strategy, margin-related analysis, and coordination with foreign legal counsel.
For companies that may be affected by this investigation, early engagement and structured preparation are essential.
For further information or to discuss the implications for your business, please contact us.
