EU targets Vietnamese PET imports with anti-dumping probe while retrospective measures imminent

Brussels has formally placed Vietnamese PET imports under customs registration, a move that opens the door to retroactive anti-dumping duties if the investigation confirms the allegations.

The probe follows a formal complaint submitted on 9 April by PET Europe, an industry association representing more than 25% of total EU PET production. The Commission officially initiated the investigation on 22 May, citing preliminary data that suggests dumping margins of 11% to 19%, and a price gap commonly referred to as the injury elimination level is estimated between 19% and 28%, for the period spanning October 2023 to September 2024.

The product under investigation is PET with a viscosity of 78 ml/g or higher, classified under CN code 3907 61 00 and originating from Vietnam. While the CN code is only indicative and subject to revision, it provides a working basis for customs authorities to begin tracking imports.

Under the EU’s Basic Anti-Dumping Regulation, customs registration is a prerequisite for collecting duties retroactively—if the final findings establish that the dumped imports caused harm to the EU industry.

As a result, PET shipments from Vietnam will now be logged at the bloc’s borders. This registration will remain valid for nine months from the regulation’s effective date (18 July 2025), allowing the EU to retroactively apply duties if warranted by the outcome of the investigation.

This investigation is part of a broader trend of trade defence actions by the EU, as it seeks to protect domestic industries from the effects of global overcapacity and state-backed competition.

Written: Farid Muzaffar