China opens antidumping investigation on chemical from the US, EU, Taiwan and Japan

China announced this Sunday the opening of an antidumping investigation that affects the European Union, USATaiwan and Japan on a chemical called polyformaldehyde copolymer, official sources reported.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce noted in a statement that the investigation will be completed in one year, with the possibility of extending it for another six months.

According to said portfolio, the decision complies with the anti-dumping regulations of the Asian country and was taken after analyzing data provided by six companies that requested the measure on behalf of the domestic sector.

The object of the investigation will be the polyformaldehyde copolymer – known as POM copolymer – imported from EU countries, the US, Taiwan and Japan between January 1 and December 31, 2023.

“The possible harm caused to the Chinese POM copolymer industry during that period” will also be analyzed.

The chemical to which the measurement relates can be used for replace metals such as zinc and copper, and is used, among other areas, in the manufacturing of electronic equipment, automobile parts and medical equipment.

The announcement comes in the same week that the European Commission opened two anti-dumping investigations into Chinese imports of tinplate products and multi-layer wooden floor coverings which are added to those started this year in the electric vehicle, solar panel and health product sectors.

Also this week the The US government announced new tariffs worth US$18 billion on imports of products from Chinawith electric vehicles being the most punished with taxes that go from 25% to 100%.

Furthermore, the Chinese measure has been made public one day before the elected president of Taiwan, William Lai (Lai Ching-te), takes office, branded by Beijing as a “secessionist” and “troublemaker.”