TLDRs;
- US lawmakers urge probe into Anker over alleged tariff evasion and unfair pricing practices.
- Anker accused of misclassifying goods, routing shipments through Southeast Asia to avoid tariffs.
- The company has launched an internal review and will hire a US advisor for compliance.
- Allegations come as Anker explores a Hong Kong listing, complicating its global expansion plans.
Washington has turned its attention to Anker Innovations Technology Co., a Chinese consumer electronics giant, after allegations surfaced that the company engaged in unfair trade practices to sidestep US tariffs.
Members of the House Select Committee on China have asked the US Commerce Department to open a formal investigation into the company’s pricing strategies and possible tariff evasion.
Committee leaders John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi claim Anker deliberately misclassified product codes and routed shipments through Southeast Asian markets to reduce tariff exposure.
According to their letter, the company also benefited from at least $12 million in subsidies from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2023, giving it a pricing advantage over competitors in the US electronics market.
Allegations of tariff evasion surface
Anker, best known for its mobile charging accessories, power banks, and wall adapters, has built a reputation as one of the most trusted consumer technology brands globally. However, lawmakers allege that its growth in the US has partly been fueled by questionable trade practices.
Misclassifying shipments or rerouting them through third-party countries to avoid import duties is not new in international trade, but the accusations place Anker at the center of the ongoing US-China economic rivalry.
So far, the Commerce Department has not announced whether it will move forward with a probe. Still, the possibility of penalties or restrictions looms large. Such action could affect Anker’s US business, which remains a key revenue stream for the company’s global operations.
Anker begins internal compliance review
In response to the mounting scrutiny, Anker said it has launched an internal review of its trade compliance policies. The company also announced plans to hire a US-based advisor to assess whether its global shipping and classification processes meet American regulatory standards.
“Anker takes these matters seriously and is committed to operating in full compliance with international trade laws,” the company said in a brief statement.
Industry analysts believe this move is aimed at reassuring regulators and investors ahead of potential disruptions.
IPO ambitions in Hong Kong complicate matters
The timing of the controversy is especially sensitive. Just last month, reports indicated that Anker is exploring a potential Hong Kong stock market listing as early as 2026. Already listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the company is working with investment banks to evaluate the size and structure of the possible offering.
Anker’s expansion beyond charging products into home security systems, audio devices, and even robotic appliances reflects its ambition to position itself as a diversified global tech leader. The IPO plan in Hong Kong is seen as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to bolster capital markets closer to home, while also attracting international investors.
Yet, heightened scrutiny from US lawmakers could cast a shadow over these ambitions. If Washington proceeds with trade penalties, it may not only affect Anker’s US sales but also dampen investor confidence at a critical time.
A balancing act in a tense market
The case underscores the broader challenges Chinese firms face in navigating US trade regulations amid intensifying geopolitical and economic competition.
For Anker, the stakes are particularly high. The brand has worked hard to build trust among American consumers with its high-quality, affordable products. Now, it must prove that its business practices align with global standards.
