South Korea's Ministry of Finance and Economy announced on the 10th that it will impose anti-dumping tariffs of 25.79-31.55% on PVC paste resin imported from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden starting August 5 for a period of five years. The decision follows an investigation by the Trade Commission under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which confirmed dumping practices and substantial damage to the domestic industry after reviewing an application filed by Hanwha Solutions in August last year. PVC paste resin is a fine powder plastic material mixed with plasticizers for processing, used in artificial leather, wallpaper, flooring, gloves, and other consumer and industrial products.
Government Confirms Tariff Rates and Coverage
The Ministry of Finance and Economy stated that the anti-dumping tariffs will range from 25.79% to 31.55% depending on the exporting company and country. The tariffs apply to PVC paste resin originating from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden. The government had previously imposed provisional anti-dumping tariffs of 25.79-42.81% on these products since February 25 during the investigation period to prevent damage to the domestic industry.
![Ministry of Finance and Economy building]()
Ministry of Finance and Economy building [Source: Yonhap News file photo]
Trade Commission Investigation Findings
The Trade Commission launched its investigation in August last year after receiving an anti-dumping complaint from Hanwha Solutions. The investigation confirmed that the imported PVC paste resin was being sold at dumped prices and that this practice caused substantial injury to South Korea's domestic PVC paste resin industry. The Commission's findings formed the legal basis for the government's decision to impose the final anti-dumping measures.
Implementation Timeline and Refund Process
The Ministry of Finance and Economy will conduct a legislative notice period for the related ministerial ordinance from the 10th through the 28th, with implementation scheduled for August 5. Companies that paid the higher provisional tariff rates will be eligible for refunds of the difference through a settlement process. As of July, South Korea maintains anti-dumping tariffs on a total of 36 cases, including 33 final measures and 3 provisional measures.
The government stated it will continue monitoring domestic market disruption from low-priced imports to protect South Korean industries from dumping and foster a fair competitive environment.
FAQ
What tariff rates will South Korea impose on European PVC paste resin imports?
South Korea will impose anti-dumping tariffs ranging from 25.79% to 31.55% on PVC paste resin imported from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden starting August 5 for five years.
Why did South Korea decide to impose these anti-dumping tariffs?
The Trade Commission confirmed through an investigation initiated in August last year that the imported PVC paste resin was being dumped at below-market prices and caused substantial damage to South Korea's domestic industry, following a complaint filed by Hanwha Solutions.
How will companies affected by provisional tariffs receive refunds?
Companies that paid provisional anti-dumping tariffs of 25.79-42.81% since February 25 can receive refunds for the difference between the provisional and final tariff rates through a settlement process administered by the government.
