On July 1, 2024, the European Commission launched an anti-dumping investigation into epoxy resin imports from China, South Korea, China Taiwan and Thailand.

    According to Article 5 of the EU Basic Anti-Dumping Regulations, the European Commission received a complaint from the ad hoc coalition of epoxy resin producers, accusing epoxy resin products from China, South Korea, China Taiwan and Thailand of dumping, causing damage to EU-related industries.

    This is the second major economy to conduct similar investigations on Chinese epoxy resin products this year after the United States conducted anti-dumping and countervailing investigations on Chinese epoxy resin products on April 3.

The details are as follows:

1. complaining party

    The Ad Hoc Coalition of Epoxy Resin producers

2. investigated products

    Survey product definition: Products with an epoxy resin content of more than 35% by mass, including polymers or prepolymers, based on epichlorohydrin (ECH) and aliphatic or aromatic alcohol components, including solid, semi-solid and liquid forms, and may contain modifiers, curing agents or additives.

    Products not included: Certain coating and paint products, prepregs (prepregs or fibers), epoxies mixed with other materials

3. allegations of dumping

    Countries or regions accused: China, South Korea, China Taiwan and Thailand

    Dumping behavior: Products from these countries are exported to the EU market at prices below normal values, undermining fair competition in the EU's local market.

4. Evidence of dumping

    Regarding China: The complainant believes that there are significant price and cost distortions in the Chinese domestic market, mainly due to government intervention and support, such as subsidies and incentives for epichlorohydrin (ECH) production. These measures have led to a significant reduction in epoxy resin production costs, thus affecting epoxy resin export prices.

    The consequence is a significant increase in epoxy resin imports and market share from the above-mentioned countries.

5. survey period

    The investigation time will cover the period from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

6. potential consequences

    If the investigation confirms that dumping has occurred and caused damage, the EU may impose anti-dumping duties on relevant imported products to protect local industries from unfair competition. Source: Epoxy resin and application