China slaps 54.3% anti-dumping duty on US pecan imports

Beijing has escalated its trade retaliation against Washington and Mexico by imposing preliminary anti-dumping duties on pecan imports, according to a Ministry of Commerce statement. The probe determined that dumped US and Mexican pecans surged by 104.56% over the injury period, while import prices dropped 9.15% and consistently undercut domestic sellers. As a result, China is now requiring cash deposits of 54.3% from American producers and 51.6% from Mexican firms to offset alleged dumping. Six Mexican companies that cooperated with the investigation received reduced rates ranging from 17.8% to 23%, but no US producer participated, leaving all American exporters subject to the maximum rate.

The move comes amid a broader trade confrontation, with Mexico recently imposing a 50% tariff hike on about 1,400 product categories under pressure from Washington. China's provisional measures take effect Tuesday, and interested parties have 10 days to submit written comments before a final ruling. The ministry vowed to "fully protect the rights of all interested parties" and issue an objective final decision. While the immediate impact falls on pecan growers in Texas, Georgia, and northern Mexico, the case signals Beijing's willingness to use targeted agricultural duties as leverage in trade negotiations. US and Mexican exporters now face significant cost barriers to one of the world's largest pecan markets, potentially reshaping supply chains and pricing strategies in the months ahead.