A Luxembourg-based steel manufacturer, ArcelorMittal, has filed a request with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to halt the import of electric vehicles (EVs) from Vinfast, a Vietnamese company. ArcelorMittal alleges that Vinfast has infringed on its patented aluminum-steel coating. Vinfast, the first Vietnamese business to export electric cars globally, is now facing potential restrictions on its EV imports to the United States. The ITC will review the request and determine whether to take action against Vinfast. If the request is granted, it could have significant implications for Vinfast's operations and the import of its EVs into the U.S. market [5bad26e7].
This development adds to the growing concerns about the impact of foreign automakers on the American auto industry. ArcelorMittal's request to block EV imports from Vinfast highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and fair competition in the automotive sector. Patent infringement cases like this can have far-reaching consequences for companies involved and may lead to restrictions on imports, affecting their market access and competitiveness. The outcome of the ITC's review will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for future cases involving patent disputes in the EV industry [5bad26e7].
In a separate investigation, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) has determined that an industry in the US is threatened by imports of boltless steel shelving units prepackaged for sale from Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The products are allegedly sold in the US at less than fair value and are subsidized by the governments of the mentioned countries. The US Department of Commerce will continue its investigations on imports of boltless steel shelving units from these countries [ee70501f].