European Commission initiates anti-dumping investigations on PET imports from the People’s Republic of China
The European Commission has initiated an anti-dumping proceeding concerning PET-related imports originating in the People’s Republic of China. The notice of initiation was published on 30 March 2023. The complaint was lodged on February 14, 2023 by PET Europe.
The product subject to this investigation is PET having a viscosity of 78 ml/g or higher, according to ISO Standard 1628-5. The investigation of dumping and injury will cover the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022.
The EU announcement says that PET Europe has provided evidence that imports of the product under investigation from the country concerned have increased overall in absolute terms and in terms of market share at a significant rate indicating the likelihood of substantially increased imports. Evidence has been provided that there is sufficient freely disposable capacity in the PRC and that there is an imminent and substantial increase in such capacity, indicating the likelihood of substantially increased dumped imports that would cause injury. The evidence provided by the complainant also shows that the prices of the imported product under investigation have had, among other consequences, a negative impact on the quantities sold by the Union industry, resulting in substantial adverse effects on the overall performance of the Union industry. The evidence also shows that the Union industry is not able to increase prices in line with the increase of raw material costs and energy prices rising globally. Despite this global trend that has also affected imports from other origins, the country concerned has been able to maintain low prices for the product under investigation, placing significant pressure on Union sales. Finally, the complainant has also provided evidence showing an increase in inventories.
Having determined, after informing the Member States, that the complaint has been lodged by or on behalf of the Union industry and that there is sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of a proceeding, the Commission initiates an investigation pursuant to Article 5 of the basic Regulation.
The investigation is expected to be concluded within 13-14 months.
