Background on the Investigation
On Thursday, China announced the commencement of an anti-dumping investigation targeting pecan nut imports from Mexico and the United States.
In 2024, China imported these nuts valued at US$320 million, marking a 40% annual increase. The top three suppliers were South Africa (US$157 million, 40% growth), the United States (US$82 million, +48%), and Mexico (US$80 million, +35%), according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs.
Who Initiated the Investigation?
The Trade Remedy Office, under the Ministry of Commerce, released the investigation announcement.
No producing sector requested this investigation; however, under certain circumstances, the Chinese government can initiate one without a formal request.
Article 18 of China’s Anti-Dumping Regulations states that in exceptional cases, if the Ministry of Commerce does not receive a written request for an anti-dumping investigation but has sufficient evidence of dumping and injury, along with a causal relationship between the two, it can decide to start an investigation.
Reasons for the Investigation
According to the official notice, preliminary evidence and information gathered by the Ministry of Commerce suggest that pecan nuts originating from Mexico and the United States are being exported and sold in China below their “normal value,” constituting dumping.
Simultaneously, the volume of these products entering the Chinese market has significantly increased, and prices show a downward trend. This has led to price reductions and constraints on similar products within the national industry, causing substantial harm to the domestic industry.
The Chinese government believes there is a causal relationship between the dumped imported products from Mexico and the United States and the significant harm experienced by the domestic industry.
Scope of the Investigation
The Ministry of Commerce decided to launch an anti-dumping investigation into pecan nuts imported from Mexico and the United States, effective September 25, 2025.
- The dumping investigation period is from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
- The industrial injury investigation period spans from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024.
Pecan Nuts: Uses and Impact
Pecan nuts can be consumed raw or toasted, used in various confectionery products, or processed for oil extraction.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who initiated the investigation? The Trade Remedy Office, under China’s Ministry of Commerce, announced the investigation.
- Why was the investigation initiated without a formal request? Under Article 18 of China’s Anti-Dumping Regulations, the Ministry of Commerce can initiate an investigation based on sufficient evidence of dumping and injury, along with a causal relationship between the two.
- What are the reasons for the investigation? Preliminary evidence suggests that pecan nuts from Mexico and the United States are being sold in China below their normal value, causing dumping. This has led to increased imports, downward price trends, and harm to the domestic industry.
- What is the scope of the investigation? The anti-dumping investigation covers pecan nut imports from Mexico and the United States, effective September 25, 2025. The dumping investigation period is from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, while the industrial injury investigation period spans from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024.
