Vietnam Targets Fiberboard from Thailand and China: Anti-Dumping Duties, Implications and Strategic Responses

Vietnam has recently imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on fiberboard imports from Thailand and China, following a preliminary investigation by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT). With duty rates varying based on cooperation from exporters, the move aims to stabilize local markets but poses challenges for exporters, importers, and downstream industries.

Following a preliminary investigation, the MoIT identified the dumping practices of Thailand’s and China’s fiberboard exporters as significant threats to Vietnam’s domestic manufacturing sector. The volume of investigated imports also increased quickly, rising 52 percent year-on-year after the MoIT announced the investigation in October 2024.

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Based on the findings, the MoIT issued Decision No. 2491/QD-BCT (“Decision 2491”), dated September 5, 2025, applying provisional anti-dumping duties on certain fiberboard products originating from Thailand and China.

Under the provisions of Vietnam’s Law on Foreign Trade Management, the MoIT will continue working with all relevant entities to gather more information before making its final decision.

That said, the latest announcement still puts manufacturers and importers at risk of rising costs and potential supply chain disruptions. Fiberboard is a critical raw material in Vietnam’s fast-growing furniture and construction sectors, both of which support the country’s strong export performance. Any disruption in its supply chain could have wide-reaching effects for manufacturers and global buyers alike.

To assist businesses with their upcoming decision-making process, this article explains the scope of the recently imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on fiberboard imports from Thailand and China, assesses their impact on exporters, importers, and downstream industries, and outlines practical strategies for companies to mitigate risks and adapt.

See also: Navigating Vietnam’s Wood Industry in 2025

Scope of the provisional anti-dumping duties

Subject products

The MoIT has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on certain wood fiberboard products originating from Thailand and China. The scope of affected goods is defined as follows:

• Key characteristics: Wood-based fiberboards or similar materials, with or without bonding agents such as glue or other organic binders.
• HS codes: 4411.12.00, 4411.13.00, 4411.14.00, 4411.92.00, 4411.93.00, and 4411.94.00. The MoIT reserves the right to amend or supplement this list in line with the investigation findings or changes in product classification.

Excluded products

Fiberboard products with surface finishes that differ from the board’s core material are excluded from the provisional duties. These include boards finished with:

• Melamine coatings (using aminoplastic resin impregnated paper cured under heat and pressure, without intermediate adhesives);
• Painted surfaces;
• Decorative printed paper layers using MUF glue;
• Laminates (kraft paper, decorative paper, overlay layers);
• Acrylic (PMMA-based) finishes;
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) finishes; and
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) finishes.

The provisional anti-dumping duty rates

Applicable timeframe

As per Decision 2491, the measures took effect 15 days following its official announcement and will remain in place for a provisional period of up to 120 days, pending the outcome of the final investigation.

Procedures for applying provisional anti-dumping duties

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To determine whether imported goods fall within the scope of provisional anti-dumping duties, customs authorities will review the certificate of origin (C/O) or equivalent proof of origin. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Certificates of Origin (C/O); or
• Self-certification documents under relevant trade agreements, such as CPTPP, RCEP, EVFTA, UKVFTA, ATIGA, or the Vietnam–Israel FTA.

The Department of Vietnam Customs oversees the verification process as follows:

Step 1 – Check C/O

• If no proof of origin is submitted: a 39.88 percent duty applies.
• If proof shows origin outside China or Thailand: no duty applies.
• If proof shows origin from China or Thailand: proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 – Check manufacturer’s original quality certificate

• If absent, or if the named producer does not match those listed in Column 1 of the MOIT notice:
  • 39.88 percent duty applies to Chinese-origin goods; and
  • 20.20 percent duty applies to Thai-origin goods.
• If the certificate matches a listed producer: proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Check exporter identity

• If the exporter matches the producer or the related trading company listed in Columns 1 and 2 of the MOIT notice: the applicable duty is the rate specified in Column 3.
• If not:
  • 39.88 percent duty applies to Chinese-origin goods; and
  • 20.20 percent duty applies to Thai-origin goods.

Implications for businesses: How to respond?

Exporters from Thailand and China

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For exporters, the duties immediately reduce their price competitiveness in the Vietnamese market. Margins may be squeezed as companies decide whether to absorb the additional cost or pass it on to buyers.

Additionally, the exporters that fail to cooperate in the investigation face the highest duty bands, increasing the risk of contract losses to other regional suppliers. To limit exposure, exporters may need to provide transparent cost and pricing data to argue for lower margins in the final determination.

Strategic responses:

• Actively participate in the investigation by submitting detailed cost and pricing data;
• Explore reclassification or modifications of product lines to avoid scope coverage; and
• Diversify export portfolios to reduce dependency on the Vietnamese market.

Vietnamese importers and distributors

Importers and distributors face rising procurement costs and potential supply shortages if exporters cut shipments. Contract renegotiations will likely be required, while compliance burdens increase due to stricter customs checks on HS codes and origin documentation. For some importers, the ability to pass on these costs to downstream buyers will determine whether they can remain viable in a more expensive trading environment.

Strategic responses:

• Secure supply contracts at pre-duty rates, where possible;
• Expand partnerships with domestic fiberboard producers or alternative suppliers; and
• Adjust pricing strategies and product mix to mitigate cost impacts.

Downstream industries: Furniture and construction

Higher input costs could undermine Vietnam’s global reputation as a leading exporter of wooden furniture. Firms operating in the US and EU markets may face slimmer margins as they absorb these increases, while smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in interior design and furniture are particularly exposed to price volatility.

On the other hand, the duties could accelerate investments in local fiberboard production, reducing reliance on imports over the long term.

Strategic responses:

• Engage experienced trade and legal advisors to navigate compliance requirements;
• Coordinate with industry associations to advocate for fair duty margins; and
• Strengthen inventory management and risk controls to buffer against volatility.

Wider supply chain impact

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The provisional duties are expected to reshape supply chains both within and beyond Vietnam. Domestically, fiberboard producers may gain from stronger demand and new investment, reinforcing their position in the national supply chain. At the same time, higher input costs could weaken Vietnam’s competitiveness as a global furniture hub, particularly in price-sensitive export markets.

Regionally, trade diversion is likely, with buyers turning to alternative suppliers in Malaysia or Indonesia, while Thai and Chinese exporters may redirect shipments to other Asian destinations. Customs procedures may also cause temporary clearance delays, adding short-term cost pressure. Although retaliatory measures from Thailand or China cannot be entirely ruled out, such responses appear unlikely at this stage.

See also: How Vietnam’s Supporting Industries Are Responding to US Tariffs

Outlook and recommendations

In the short term, businesses should prepare for heightened supply chain volatility and cost pressures until the final determination is issued. In the medium term, the measures could accelerate Vietnam’s efforts to expand local production capacity and reduce reliance on imports.

Businesses are recommended to:

• Monitor the investigation timeline closely;
• Develop contingency plans for a range of possible duty outcomes; and
• Diversify sourcing and build flexible supplier relationships to strengthen resilience.

(With inputs from Vu Nguyen Hanh)

This article first appeared on Vietnam Briefing, our sister platform.