US imposes antidumping duties on Japanese lattice boom crawler cranes

The US government imposed antidumping duties on lattice-boom crawler cranes imported from Japan, effective 23 July 2026, following a unanimous

affirmative determination by both the US International Trade Commission (ITC) and the US Department of Commerce (DOC).

The Manitowoc Company, headquartered in Wisconsin, USA, filed the original antidumping petition in April 2025, alleging predatory pricing by Japanese producers. The ITC completed its final injury determination on 2 July 2026, finding US industry was materially injured by imports sold at less than fair value.

The preliminary investigation, published in January 2026, identified Kobelco Construction Machinery as subject to a 2.79 per cent weighted-average dumping margin. Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Cranes received a 0 % margin, with all other Japanese producers subject to the 2.79 % rate. The DOC cleared Sumitomo of dumping, exempting it from duties.

Import volumes from Japan grew significantly during the investigation period, rising from 217 units valued at US$80.4 million in 2022 to 310 units valued at $178.3 million in 2024.

Aaron Ravenscroft, Manitowoc president and chief executive officer, said the ruling “helps restore fair competition in the marketplace and supports the long-term strength of our US manufacturing operations and workforce.”

Antidumping duties will be assessed on entries of lattice boom crawler cranes from Japan made on or after 16 January 2026, the date of the preliminary determination, with a gap period between 15 and 19 July 2026 when duties were not applicable.

It’s not the first complaint sent by Manitowoc to the ITC. In 2020, the company filed a Section 232 national security petition with the US DOC alleging that mobile crane imports threatened US manufacturing; a move that drew opposition from Link-Belt, Tadano, Liebherr and Kobelco, among others. Manitowoc ultimately withdrew the complaint, and no duties were levied. 

Link-Belt challenges ruling

Link-Belt Cranes, a USA crane manufacturer headquartered in Kentucky, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Cranes, said it intends to challenge the DOC determination at the US Court of International Trade, calling the ruling legally flawed.

“The Commerce Department’s analysis contains significant errors and runs afoul of the law,” the company said.

Link-Belt emphasised to its customers and partners that while antidumping duties are currently in effect, they remain subject to judicial review. The company said it would seek refunds of any cash deposits paid to customs if its challenge succeeds.

“We strongly dispute the determination and believe it is not supported by the facts or applicable law,” it said. “We have full confidence in the merits of our case.”

The company said it remains committed to serving customers across the United States and encouraged customers and partners to contact it directly with questions or concerns.

Follow the story on Crane and Transport Briefing.