Government Imposes Up to 18.52% Anti-Dumping Duties on Petroleum Resins from China and Taiwan

The Trade Commission has recommended to the Ministry of Economy and Finance the imposition of anti-dumping duties of up to 18.52% on petroleum resins imported from China and Taiwan. In addition, the Commission has launched new anti-dumping investigations into fiberboard from Thailand, industrial robots from Japan and China, and butyl glycol ether from Saudi Arabia.

On May 22, the Trade Commission held its 460th meeting at the Sejong Government Complex and issued a final dumping determination regarding petroleum resins from China and Taiwan, following an investigation that began in August of last year. Petroleum resin is used in the manufacture of adhesives for automobiles, construction, and footwear, as well as pressure-sensitive adhesives for products such as diapers, tires, OPP tape for packaging, paints, and inks.

By item, anti-dumping duties of 3.07% to 3.50% have been proposed for major Chinese companies, including Jinhai (2.26%), Henghe, Yonghua, and Tianjin Luhua. For Taiwan, the imposition of duties has been recommended for Arochem (7.07%) and Chuen Hua (18.52%).

Three new anti-dumping investigations were also reported on this day. At the request of Unid BT Plus, an investigation has begun into fiberboard exported by Thailand's Panel Plus MDF and Advance Fiber. The products in question are fiberboards with a thickness of 5mm or less, mainly used for furniture and interior building materials.

Following an application by HD Hyundai Robotics, an investigation has also been launched into imports of vertical multi-joint industrial robots with four or more axes from Japanese companies Yaskawa and Fanuc, and Chinese companies ABB, KUKA, and Kawasaki. These robots are used for automobile welding, logistics sorting, and metal processing.

In addition, at the request of Lotte Chemical, a first review has begun for butyl glycol ether from Saudi Arabia, which is currently subject to an anti-dumping duty of 43.58%.

A public hearing was also held regarding hot-rolled steel plates (carbon steel and other alloy steel) from China. This product is a strategic industrial material used in ships, heavy equipment, and storage tanks. As a result of the preliminary determination, provisional duties of 27.91% to 38.02% have been imposed on major companies such as Baosteel, and a final determination is expected in the second half of the year.

A Trade Commission official stated, "We will faithfully conduct public hearings and on-site inspections to ensure the fairness of anti-dumping investigations and the protection of defense rights," adding, "We will do our utmost to minimize industrial damage and establish a fair trade order."