China has imposed steep anti-dumping duties, up to 74.9%, on imports of POM copolymers, a versatile engineering plastic used in auto parts, electronics, and medical equipment, targeting shipments from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan.
The move, announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Sunday, marks a significant escalation in ongoing global trade frictions and follows a year-long investigation into alleged dumping practices by foreign producers.
The duties, effective immediately, come in the wake of heightened trade tensions, particularly with the United States, which sharply raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, computer chips, and other goods.
China’s commerce ministry stated that the investigation, initiated in May 2024, confirmed that imports of POM copolymers—capable of partially replacing metals like copper and zinc—were being sold at unfairly low prices, harming domestic producers.
Preliminary measures, including a deposit requirement, were introduced in January 2025 after initial findings substantiated the dumping claims.
According to Sunday’s announcement, the highest anti-dumping rates of 74.9% were levied on imports from the United States, while European shipments will face 34.5% duties.
China slapped 35.5% duties on Japanese imports, except for Asahi Kasei, which received a company-specific rate of 24.5%.
General duties of 32.6% were placed on imports from Taiwan, while Formosa Plastics received a 4% tariff and Polyplastics Taiwan 3.8%.
The move comes at a delicate moment in global trade relations. On Monday, the U.S. and China announced a 90-day truce, agreeing to reduce reciprocal tariffs in a bid to de-escalate their protracted trade war.
China’s state-run Global Times argued on Friday that this truce should be extended, citing potential benefits for both economies. However, the new duties on POM copolymers suggest that tensions remain, with China leveraging its trade policies to protect strategic industries.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
China’s actions underscore its willingness to use trade policy as a tool to assert economic sovereignty, even as it engages in diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations with the U.S. and other trading partners.
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