Article Focus Summary:
On May 28, 2025, the Lysine Fair Trade Coalition filed petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission, alleging that L-lysine imports from China are being dumped and subsidized, harming the U.S. industry. The petitions seek the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on these imports
In a significant move to protect domestic manufacturing, the Lysine Fair Trade Coalition and its individual members filed petitions on May 28, 2025, with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The petitions allege that imports of L-lysine from the People’s Republic of China are being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value (dumping) and are benefiting from unfair government subsidies, causing material injury to the U.S. industry.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation encompasses all forms of animal feed-grade L-lysine, including:
- Lysine Monohydrochloride (Lysine HCL): A white, crystalline powder with a minimum of 78% lysine by weight.
- Lysine Sulfate: A tan, granular substance containing 40–70% lysine by weight.
- Liquid (Base) Lysine: A semi-viscous, dark-colored aqueous solution with at least 50% lysine by weight.
- Encapsulated or Coated Lysine: Designed for ruminant animals to ensure bioavailability.
The scope also includes lysine that has been mixed, blended, or combined with other products, as well as lysine processed in third countries, provided such processing does not alter the product’s fundamental characteristics.
Alleged Dumping and Subsidization
The petitioners allege a dumping margin of 197.1% ad valorem for Chinese imports of L-lysine. Additionally, they claim that these imports benefit from countervailable subsidies provided by the Chinese government, though specific subsidy programs have not been detailed publicly.
Investigation Timeline
The DOC and ITC will conduct separate investigations to determine the validity of the allegations. Key dates in the investigation process include:
- DOC Initiation Date: June 17, 2025
- ITC Preliminary Determination: July 14, 2025
- DOC Preliminary CVD Determination: August 21, 2025
- DOC Preliminary AD Determination: November 4, 2025
- DOC Final CVD Determination: November 4, 2025
- DOC Final AD Determination: January 19, 2026
- ITC Final Determinations: December 19, 2025 (CVD); March 4, 2026 (AD)
Should the investigations result in affirmative final determinations, the DOC will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders, requiring importers to deposit duties on L-lysine imports from China.
Implications for Stakeholders
Importers, distributors, and users of L-lysine in the U.S. should monitor these investigations closely, as the imposition of duties could significantly impact pricing and supply chains. Companies involved in importing L-lysine from China may need to adjust their sourcing strategies and prepare for potential cost increases.
