The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Trade Commission has recommended that the Ministry of Economy and Finance impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese butyl acrylate. This comes as investigations into dumping of cold-rolled steel sheets and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) suspension resin have also begun, indicating an expansion of trade remedy measures concerning Chinese materials and chemical products.
During its 475th meeting on July 23, the Trade Commission reviewed and approved six cases, including one final determination on the dumping investigation of Chinese butyl acrylate and five investigations into unfair trade practices related to automotive battery packs.
The investigation into Chinese butyl acrylate was initiated last July at the request of LG Chem. The Trade Commission issued a preliminary ruling in February, and since April 22, provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 9.53% to 19.17% have been in effect. In its final determination, the Commission concluded that domestic industries suffered harm due to dumping and recommended that the Minister of Economy and Finance impose anti-dumping duties of 8.32% to 19.17%.
Butyl acrylate is an organic compound produced through the esterification of acrylic acid and butanol. It is used in adhesives, acrylic paints, and specialty plastic materials. The basic tariff rate is 8%, the WTO agreement rate is 6.5%, but the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) rate is 0%.
The recommended levels of final anti-dumping duties vary by supplier: 11.42% for Tsinghua Unigroup and its affiliates, 8.32% for Shanghai Huayi and its affiliates, 19.17% for Pinghu Petrochemical and its affiliates, and 18.69% for other suppliers. The currently applied provisional anti-dumping duties will remain in effect until July 21.
The Trade Commission also reported the initiation of dumping investigations into Chinese cold-rolled steel sheets and PVC suspension resin. The Trade Investigation Office determined that it was appropriate to commence investigations based on the review of eligibility, representation, evidence of dumping, and domestic industry harm. Both investigations are expected to conclude with final determinations in April of next year.
The cold-rolled steel sheet investigation was requested by TCC Steel and Shinwa Dynamics. The products under investigation include cold-rolled steel sheets used in food packaging, pressurized containers like butane gas canisters, industrial packaging, electronic components, and construction materials. The suppliers under investigation include three companies, including Jiangsu Yufu Sheet Technology from China.
The PVC suspension resin investigation was requested by Hanwha Solutions. The product is a white granular resin produced through the suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer, used as a raw material for industrial goods and household items such as pipes, windows, and wire coatings. The suppliers under investigation include two companies, including Tianjin Bohua from China.
Unfair trade cases involving patent infringement related to automotive battery packs and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles were concluded during the investigation process after a licensing agreement was reached between the parties. The complainant requested the withdrawal of the investigation application in accordance with the agreement, and the Trade Commission accepted this request.
On the same day, the Trade Commission held a public hearing regarding domestic industry harm related to cold-rolled products and H-beams from China. Over 60 participants, including representatives from the complainants and suppliers, attended the hearing. The Commission plans to review the opinions raised during the hearing to make a final determination on dumping.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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