Photo: Dan Sandoval / AFP
On Sunday, 18 May, China announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports of POM copolymers – a special type of engineering plastic – from the US, the European Union, Japan and Taiwan. Reuters reports this with reference to the statement of the Ministry of Commerce of China
The highest duties of 74.9% were imposed on American products. European producers will pay 34.5%, Japanese – up to 35.5%, and Taiwanese – 32.6%. At the same time, some companies, such as Formosa Plastics and Asahi Kasei, received preferential rates of 4% and 24.5%, respectively.
What are POM copolymers?
These polymers are widely used in the automotive, electronics and medical industries, as they can partially replace metals such as copper and zinc due to their high strength and wear resistance.
The duties were imposed following an investigation launched by China in May 2024, almost immediately after the US had increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, chips and other technology products.
Political and trade context
The new customs restrictions are another step in the escalation of the trade war between China and the US, which is now increasingly involving Japan, the EU and Taiwan. This could affect global supply chains, especially in high-tech sectors.
Analysts warn that international tensions over trade in raw materials and technology will grow, and that China’s moves are an attempt to respond to Western sanctions and protectionist measures.
