Anti-Dumping Duties on Plywood: Why Vietnam Is the Alternative to China
How anti-dumping duties exceeding 100% on Chinese hardwood plywood have transformed global sourcing — and why Vietnam has become the primary alternative for US and EU importers.
What Are Anti-Dumping Duties?
Anti-dumping duties are additional tariffs imposed by importing countries when foreign manufacturers sell products below fair market value (i.e., "dump" them) to gain market share. These duties are intended to level the playing field for domestic producers.
For plywood, anti-dumping duties have become one of the most significant factors driving global sourcing decisions — creating billions of dollars in trade diversion from China to alternative suppliers, primarily Vietnam.
US Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Plywood
Background
In 2013, the US Department of Commerce imposed anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing (CVD) duties on hardwood plywood from China following a petition by the Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood. The duties have been maintained and adjusted through administrative reviews.
Current Duty Rates
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Anti-Dumping Duty (Company-specific) | 114.72% — 183.36% |
| Anti-Dumping Duty (All others rate) | 183.36% |
| Countervailing Duty | 22.98% — 194.90% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 25% |
| Total potential duty burden | Up to 400%+ |
At these rates, Chinese plywood that costs $290/CBM FOB would face $330-$530/CBM in duties alone — effectively doubling or tripling the price before even adding freight and handling.
EU Anti-Dumping Measures
The EU has also imposed anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese plywood products, particularly okoumé plywood. While the rates are lower than US duties, they still create a meaningful cost disadvantage for Chinese supply.
Vietnam: The Duty-Free Alternative
Vietnam currently faces no anti-dumping duties, no countervailing duties, and no Section 301 tariffs on plywood exports to either the US or EU. This clean trade status — combined with competitive manufacturing costs — has made Vietnam the go-to alternative for buyers previously sourcing from China.
Vietnam's Growth as Plywood Exporter
- Vietnam plywood exports have grown over 300% in the past decade
- Vietnam is now among the top 5 plywood exporters globally
- The US is one of Vietnam's largest plywood export destinations
- Investment in new factories and production capacity continues to accelerate
Landed Cost Impact
The duty savings for US importers switching from China to Vietnam are substantial. For a typical 40HC container of 18mm film faced plywood:
- China origin: FOB $290/CBM + ~$400-$550/CBM duties = $690-$840/CBM before freight
- Vietnam origin: FOB $320/CBM + $26/CBM duty (8% MFN) = $346/CBM before freight
- Savings: $344-$494/CBM or $9,600-$13,800 per container
Run your own comparison with our Landed Cost Calculator.
Transshipment Risk and Compliance
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) actively investigates transshipment — Chinese plywood being routed through Vietnam to evade duties. This practice is illegal and carries severe penalties. To protect yourself:
- Verify factory ownership: Ensure your supplier owns a factory in Vietnam — not just a trading office
- Request production documentation: Log purchase records, veneer peeling logs, press cycle records showing genuine Vietnamese manufacturing
- Visit the factory: Or arrange a third-party factory audit (SGS, Bureau Veritas)
- Check country of origin rules: Substantial transformation must occur in Vietnam
- Maintain due diligence records: If CBP investigates, you need to demonstrate you exercised reasonable care
Future Outlook
Anti-dumping orders are reviewed periodically, but the US-China measures on plywood have been maintained through multiple reviews since 2013. Key considerations:
- Duties on Chinese plywood are unlikely to be removed in the near-to-medium term
- Vietnam's trade status remains favorable, but importers should monitor for any countervailing petitions
- Diversification is wise — consider qualifying multiple Vietnamese suppliers
Frequently Asked Questions
Will anti-dumping duties on Chinese plywood be removed?
Unlikely in the near term. The duties were maintained through the most recent sunset review and continue to have strong support from the domestic industry coalition. Importers should plan long-term sourcing strategies assuming these duties will remain.
Could Vietnam face anti-dumping duties in the future?
It is possible if domestic industry petitions are filed. The risk is higher if evidence of transshipment or surge imports emerges. Sourcing from genuine Vietnamese manufacturers with documented local production is the best protection.
Are there anti-dumping duties on Vietnam plywood in any market?
As of 2026, Vietnam does not face significant anti-dumping duties on plywood in any major export market. This clean trade access is a key competitive advantage.
How do I prove Vietnamese origin for customs?
Certificate of Origin issued by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), supported by commercial documentation showing manufacturing in Vietnam. For EVFTA (EU) claims, a EUR.1 movement certificate is required.
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