Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
日本語
On March 27, 2026, the South African International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) published a Government Gazette notice announcing the termination of the anti-circumvention investigation into anti-dumping duties on automobile, bus, and truck tires imported from Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This decision marks the official conclusion of the investigation after South African authorities declined to approve the earlier recommendation and requested that the process be restarted if necessary.
General information about the case
The investigation was initiated by ITAC on September 20, 2024, following a petition filed by the South African Tyre Manufacturers Association. The products under investigation were automobile, bus, and truck tires classified under HS codes 4011.10.01, 4011.10.03, 4011.10.05, 4011.10.07, 4011.10.09, 4011.20.16, 4011.20.18, and 4011.20.26.
The anti-dumping investigation period was determined from November 1, 2022 to May 31, 2024, while the anti-circumvention investigation period covered August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2024. During the investigation process, ITAC identified six Vietnamese companies that responded to the initial questionnaire. However, after supplementary information requests were issued, only three companies continued to cooperate fully, including two companies that were subject to on-site verification in February 2025.
On May 30, 2025, ITAC issued its preliminary findings. Accordingly, two fully cooperating companies were determined not to have circumvented anti-dumping duties, as they had not participated in the original investigation involving China and had not exported or sold the investigated products to the SACU region during the review period. The remaining company was found to have engaged in circumvention and was assigned an anti-circumvention duty rate of 8.78%. Companies that did not fully cooperate were subject to the nationwide duty rate of 41.47% applied in the original investigation concerning China.
Content of the termination notice
In its official notice, ITAC stated that the termination resulted from the decision of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa not to approve the Commission’s recommendation and to refer the case back for reconsideration.
As the 18-month deadline for completing an anti-circumvention review under South Africa’s Anti-Dumping Regulations had expired, the Minister directed that the process must be restarted from the beginning if the investigation is to continue. Detailed reasons for this decision will be published together with ITAC’s final determination.
Under current regulations, ITAC is not permitted to continue the investigation or impose anti-dumping duties on the relevant products once the investigation deadline has expired. Therefore, the termination notice took immediate effect upon publication.
As a direct consequence of this decision, South Africa will not impose anti-circumvention duties on new pneumatic rubber tires for automobiles, buses, and trucks alleged to be transshipped from China through Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The investigation has therefore been officially closed.
If necessary, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa may still request ITAC to restart the investigation process in accordance with applicable legal regulations.
Key notes and recommendations for Vietnamese enterprises
The termination of the investigation is considered a positive signal for Vietnamese tire manufacturers and exporters, as no anti-circumvention duties are imposed at this stage. However, the risk of the investigation being restarted remains, following the Minister’s directive.
Therefore, enterprises and relevant associations should closely monitor developments, particularly the possibility of ITAC re-initiating the investigation in the near future. Preparing production and export records, supporting documentation, and response strategies in advance will help minimize risks if the investigation process is resumed.
In addition, Vietnamese enterprises are advised to continue close coordination with the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade to stay updated and receive timely support should South Africa restart the investigation.
To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Vietnam Antidumping Law Firm specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy for timely assistance.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to [email protected].
ASL LAW is the top-tier Vietnam law firm for Anti-dumping & countervailing. If you need any advice, please contact us for further information or collaboration.
