US Slaps 540% Tariff on China’s Eco-Friendly Tableware: Global Green Supply Chain at Stake
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-15 Origin: Site
In a bombshell move, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that imports of thermoformed molded fiber products from China and Vietnam caused substantial harm to U.S. industries. Starting January 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce will impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD), with China facing a staggering maximum combined rate of 540.63% — a record-high tariff that threatens to reshape global trade dynamics.
What Are Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products?
These eco-friendly tableware items are not ordinary paper products. Crafted via advanced thermoforming technology, they use renewable materials like sugarcane bagasse, bamboo pulp, wheat straw, and corn stover, avoiding wood entirely. With environmentally friendly production processes, excellent usability, short degradation cycles, and wide applications, they serve as a key alternative to traditional plastic tableware, aligning with global green transition goals.
Unprecedented Tariff Details
China’s Rates: Anti-dumping duties range from 49.08% to 477.97%, and countervailing duties from 7.56% to 319.92%, totaling up to 540.63% when combined.
Vietnam’s Rates: A maximum combined tariff of 265.62%, plus rare retroactive duties on previously imported goods — an unusual measure in recent U.S. trade cases.
Duration & Overlay: The tariffs will last at least five years and stack with existing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, not replacing them.
Affected Tariff Codes: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes 4823.70.0020 and 4823.70.0040.
Devastating Impact on Industries
In 2024, U.S. imports of these products from China reached approximately $350 million, forming a significant export market. The 540% tariff is equivalent to a market ban: a $1 production-cost tableware item would face over $5 in tariffs alone, losing all price competitiveness.
Direct Hits: Chinese manufacturers may withdraw from the U.S. market entirely, risking factory closures and job losses. Vietnamese exporters also face severe pressure.
Supply Chain Ripple Effects: Upstream suppliers of raw materials (sugarcane bagasse, bamboo pulp) and supporting industries (molds, equipment) will be affected.
Global Green Setback: As a critical plastic alternative, these eco-products’ tariff-induced withdrawal could slow global environmental progress and indirectly protect the traditional plastic industry.
Broader Trade Implications
The move reflects escalating trade protectionism. In December 2025, Mexico passed a bill to impose additional tariffs on goods from non-FTA countries including China and Vietnam starting January 1, 2026. Vietnam also launched anti-smuggling and trade fraud crackdowns.
Strategically, the U.S. targeting both China and Vietnam — with retroactive duties on Vietnam — sends a clear signal. It aims to curb supply chain migration, as the "China+1" strategy (shifting production to Southeast Asia to avoid trade barriers) no longer guarantees protection from U.S. tariffs.
