EazyinWay - Canada Confirms No Duty Circumvention in Vietnam Chassis Case Canada Confirms No Duty Circumvention in Vietnam Chassis Case

Canada Confirms No Duty Circumvention in Vietnam Chassis Case

Published: May 28, 2025
A recent investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) cleared Vietnamese container chassis manufacturer Thaco Special Vehicles Manufacturing of circumvention allegations related to a 2022 ruling on Chinese chassis dumping. Following a complaint from Canadian manufacturer Max-Atlas International, the CBSA found that the Chinese components used by Thaco did not constitute a significant part of the chassis. The agency confirmed that assembly and manufacturing processes were conducted in Vietnam, where steel workpieces were fabricated and components assembled.

Max-Atlas contested the CBSA's findings, arguing that there were deficiencies in Thaco's submissions and requesting a reassessment of reliance on their cost data. In contrast, Thaco and their partner, Delta-based Ocean Trailer, expressed satisfaction with the CBSA's ruling and noted that they had taken thorough measures to ensure compliance.

In Canadian chassis import statistics, Vietnam constituted around 34% of imports as of 2023, a significant rise compared to previous years. Meanwhile, the U.S. market is facing similar scrutiny, with the U.S. International Trade Commission looking into allegations of injury to domestic manufacturers from low-priced imports from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Expert analysis in the field of transportation suggests that this case highlights the complex dynamics of trade regulations and international manufacturing. With rising global demand for container chassis, manufacturers must be vigilant regarding compliance while navigating supply chain challenges. The growing market share of Vietnamese imports may necessitate closer scrutiny from both Canadian and U.S. regulators to protect domestic industries and ensure fair trade practices.
Ocean Trailer is pleased with the Canadian Border Services Agency's (CBSA) decision to allow the resumption of Thaco container chassis sales, following a six-month suspension due to a probe into pricing and subsidies. The investigation came after a coalition of U.S. manufacturers claimed unfair practices by foreign manufacturers from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam, resulting in material injury to domestic producers. Evidence showed that 34% of Canadian chassis imports in 2023 came from Vietnam, a significant increase from previous years, while imports from China decreased.

Max-Atlas, a competitor, disagreed with the CBSA's preliminary findings regarding Thaco, alleging inconsistencies in their pricing data and calling for a reassessment. Thaco defended itself, stating that Max-Atlas's claims lacked specificity. The market for container chassis in Canada is substantial, estimated around $140 million, raising concerns about the competitive landscape as investigations by the ITC and Commerce are ongoing. Final resolutions regarding trade practices and countervailing duties are not anticipated until early 2026.

Expert opinion suggests that the ongoing investigations highlight important aspects of global trade dynamics in the transportation sector. The increasing reliance on foreign imports, especially from emerging markets like Vietnam, coupled with allegations of unfair pricing, could reshape the competitive environment. As scrutiny intensifies, manufacturers must ensure compliance with international trade regulations while balancing cost structures to remain competitive. The situation underscores a critical need for transparency and fair trade practices to maintain a healthy market and protect local industries.
Vehicle Guru

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