China has imposed anti-dumping tariffs of up to 74.9% on certain plastic imports from the United States, the European Union, Taiwan, and Japan, its Ministry of Commerce announced on Sunday.
The measures, which took effect on Monday, follow an investigation into allegations of dumping—selling goods below fair market value—by exporters from the targeted regions.
The tariffs apply to imports of polyformaldehyde copolymer, a widely used plastic found in automotive components, medical devices, and household appliances. The levies will range between 3.8% and 74.9%, depending on the source of the imports.
The move comes just days after Beijing and Washington agreed to a temporary 90-day reduction of broad tariffs on each other’s goods—a limited reprieve in a long-running trade conflict that has disrupted global supply chains and rattled financial markets.
China has regularly employed anti-dumping investigations as a trade defense tool, particularly against countries with which it has broader economic tensions. In April, it imposed anti-dumping duties on European brandy, targeting France’s cognac exports in particular.
This latest action signals that, despite recent diplomatic overtures, Beijing remains prepared to use trade measures to protect domestic industries amid ongoing geopolitical and economic friction.
— AFP
