US extends antidumping duties on Chinese R-32 refrigerant
The U.S. Department of Commerce has concluded its first sunset review of antidumping duties on difluoromethane (R-32) refrigerant imported from China, finding that revoking the order would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping. The antidumping duty order remains in place, affecting Chinese suppliers and U.S. importers of this refrigerant used in air-conditioning and heat-pump systems.
Photo: Diego F. Parra / PexelsOn 28 May 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce published the final results of its expedited first sunset review of the antidumping duty order covering difluoromethane (R-32) from the People's Republic of China.
"Commerce finds that revocation of the antidumping duty (AD) order on Difluoromethane (R-32) from the People's Republic of China (PRC) would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping, at the levels indicated in the 'Final Results of Sunset Review' section of this notice."
Under U.S. trade law, antidumping orders are subject to sunset review five years after their original imposition. In an expedited review, Commerce examines whether dumping would recur if the order were revoked. This determination to maintain the duties means that Chinese exporters of R-32 refrigerant will continue to face antidumping tariffs on shipments to the United States.
R-32 (difluoromethane) is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant widely used in modern air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, particularly in heat-pump systems. The chemical falls under HS code 2904.29 (other halogenated hydrocarbons). U.S. importers, OEMs, and HVAC contractors who source this refrigerant from China will continue to face additional duties on top of normal tariffs and freight costs.
The sunset review process is a standard mechanism under the Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994. Commerce's finding reflects its assessment that Chinese producers and exporters would have incentive and ability to dump R-32 into the U.S. market at injurious prices if the duty order lapsed. The order protects U.S. manufacturers and workers in the refrigerant and HVAC sectors from below-cost competition.
What this means for shippers
If you import R-32 refrigerant from China, verify that duty is being properly assessed on all shipments under this antidumping order. Review your landed-cost calculations and supplier agreements to account for the continuing antidumping liability. Request the specific duty rate from the final results notice and confirm classification is HS 2904.29. Failure to declare or underpay antidumping duty can trigger CBP penalties and liquidation demands.
