On August 4th, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) made a provisional decision to impose anti-dumping (AD) duties on polyethylene terephthalate with a high degree of polymerization produced in China. The provisional decision was made after an investigation was made in response to a request from four domestic chemical producers. The investigation will continue, and the Japanese government will judge whether AD duties will be imposed after gathering opinions from parties concerned.
Polyethylene terephthalate with a high degree of polymerization is processed into bottles and sheets. Both Ministries have been jointly investigating whether or not to impose anti-dumping duties since September 30, 2016. The provisional decision was made as cargo imported at unfairly low prices and substantial damage to the domestic industry could be proven.
The joint investigation was made in response to a request from Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Nippon Uni PET Corporation; and Echizo Polymer Co., Ltd. for imposing AD duties on China-produced polyethylene terephthalate with a high degree of polymerization. A questionnaire was sent to Chinese suppliers, Japanese importers and other parties involved, and opportunities were provided for submitting evidence and expressing views.