China announced Thursday that it will impose anti-circumvention measures on certain optical fiber imports originating in the United States, according to the Commerce Ministry, as reported by Xinhua. The move follows an investigation by Chinese trade authorities which concluded that some US fiber products were being rerouted or slightly modified to evade existing anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The measures, covering specific cut-off shifted single-mode optical fiber, will remain in place until April 21, 2028.
Beijing stated that the decision aims to close regulatory loopholes and protect fair competition for China’s domestic industry. The ministry accused US exporters of altering trade patterns without commercial justification, undermining anti-dumping rules, and deliberately circumventing existing duties. It stressed that the step complies with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and was necessary to defend China’s legitimate industrial and trade interests. The ministry also noted this is China’s first-ever anti-circumvention investigation, initiated at the request of a domestic producer.
The decision reflects deepening trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. While China’s optical fiber sector has grown into one of the largest globally, the US has accused Beijing of overcapacity and market distortions in advanced manufacturing. The move also comes a day after Washington sanctioned Chinese chemical company Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Co., Ltd., along with two of its representatives, for allegedly producing and coordinating shipments of illicit opioids and chemical agents to the United States.
