US Pizza Box Makers Seek Duties on China, Malaysia, Turkey Imports

Washington – September 15, 2026 -- The American Pizza Boxes Manufacturers Coalition and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union filed petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission alleging that corrugated pizza box imports from China, Malaysia, and Turkey are sold at dumping margins as high as 568.50%.

Dumping margins reach triple digits across three countries

The petitions cite dumping rates ranging from 96.62% to 568.50% for Chinese producers, 110.73% for Malaysian producers, and 120.65% to 210.37% for Turkish producers. Turkish manufacturers additionally benefit from countervailable subsidies, including tax breaks and discounted raw materials from the Turkish government, plus cross-border subsidies attributed to the Russian government.

Import volumes surged 130% since 2023

Subject imports from the three countries rose 130% between 2023 and 2025, with further increases reported through 2026. The coalition says the surge has driven declines in domestic production, shipments, profits, and employment across the U.S. industry.

Commerce and USITC face tight statutory deadlines

Commerce must decide whether to initiate investigations within 20 days of the September 9, 2026 filing, while the USITC must reach a preliminary injury determination within 45 days. The full process is expected to take roughly one year, with final determinations on dumping, subsidization, and injury likely in late 2027. Duties could attach to imports as early as the preliminary determination stage.

Coalition includes two major packaging producers

The petitioning coalition comprises Smurfit Westrock and Pratt Industries, represented by Wiley Rein LLP, with the United Steelworkers union joining as co-petitioner. Robert E. DeFrancesco, a Wiley partner and counsel to the petitioners, said trade relief is necessary to remedy the injurious effects of the unfairly traded imports and that antidumping and countervailing duties would be vital to supporting the industry and its workers.

Scope covers standard corrugated food service boxes

The investigations target corrugated food service boxes, commonly known as pizza boxes, whether finished or unfinished, assembled or unassembled, including ready-to-assemble die-cut blanks. Covered products must measure at least five inches in length and width, with a height no greater than four inches.