Government Blocks Cheap European PVC Paste Resin Imports... Imposes Duties Up to 31.55%

Imposed for Five Years Starting August 5

The government will impose anti-dumping duties of up to 31.55% on PVC (polyvinyl chloride) paste resin originating from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, it was determined that the dumping of European PVC paste resin imports has caused substantial harm to domestic industry. As a result, anti-dumping duties ranging from 25.79% to 31.55% will be imposed for five years, from August 5, 2026, to August 4, 2031.

This measure follows an investigation by the Trade Commission under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which was launched in response to an anti-dumping petition filed by Hanwha Solutions. The investigation, which began in August last year, confirmed both dumping practices and injury to the domestic industry.

Cargo is stacked on a container ship docked at Busan Port. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

The duties will apply to PVC paste resin classified under 'HSK 3904.10.0000' originating from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden. This product is a fine powder plastic raw material that is processed into a paste by mixing with plasticizers, and is widely used in consumer and industrial products such as synthetic leather, wallpaper, flooring, and gloves.

The finalized duty rates by supplier are as follows: 31.55% for Westlake Vinnolit GmbH & Co. KG of Germany and KEM ONE Group of France, 30.60% for other German suppliers, 25.79% for Inovyn Europe Group of Norway, and 28.15% for Inovyn Trade Services SA Group of Sweden.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to announce a draft amendment to the relevant subordinate regulations for public comment from today until July 28, and to implement the duties starting August 5. Currently, including three provisional anti-dumping cases, Korea is operating a total of 36 anti-dumping duties.

The government stated, "We will continue to monitor whether low-priced imports are disrupting the domestic market, in order to protect domestic industry from dumping and foster a fair competitive environment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.