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The European Commission has announced provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins from South Korea and Taiwan, following evidence of injurious dumping practices affecting the EU plastics industry.

Among Taiwanese exporters, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre faces the highest duty at 21.7%, while Chimei/Grand Pacific has been levied a rate of 10.8%. South Korean producers received comparatively lower tariffs, with LG Chem and Lotte Chemical subject to duties of 3.7% and 5.8%, respectively. The measures apply to ABS classified under CN Code 3903 30 00 and take effect immediately upon publication in the EU’s Official Journal.

The Commission’s decision stems from complaints lodged by European producers alleging sustained price undercutting by Asian competitors. Preliminary investigations confirmed the existence of significant dumping margins and resulting material injury to the EU industry. The current provisional measures will remain in place pending further consultation and a final determination, expected later in 2025.

The imposition of duties is poised to reshape global ABS trade flows, particularly affecting Taiwanese exporters. With Europe now a less viable destination, volumes are expected to be redirected to Asia and the Middle East, with markets already contending with ample regional supply. This shift may place additional pressure on spot pricing in key demand hubs such as India and Southeast Asia, where competitive intensity is already heightened.

Written: Aiman Haikal