South Korea Raises Anti-Dumping Duties On PET Film From China

South Korea's trade regulatory agency has announced that it will raise anti-dumping duties on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film imported from two Chinese manufacturers and their affiliated companies, effective November 20, citing the need to protect the market share of domestic businesses.

On November 20, the Korea Trade Commission (KTC) announced that the additional tariff rate on PET films produced by Kanghui New Material Technology Co., Ltd. and its three affiliated companies will be increased from 2.2% to 7.31%.

For products imported from Tianjin Wanhua Co., Ltd., a higher additional tariff will apply, with the rate increased from the previous 3.84% to 36.98%.

"The Trade Commission has made a final ruling, stating that sufficient changes have occurred to warrant a modification of the anti-dumping measures against Chinese PET film," the KTC said.

The agency added, "It has been decided to recommend that the Minister of Strategy and Finance adjust the anti-dumping duty rates for the two suppliers under review for the remaining duration of the current measures."

South Korea currently imposes a five-year anti-dumping duty on PET films imported from China, which took effect in May 2023.

PET film is widely used in packaging and electronic materials. Due to the threat posed by declining import prices to domestic producers, South Korea, Mexico, India, and Malaysia have targeted Chinese PET producers with ADD (import restriction measures).

In February 2025, four companies, including Kolon Industries, SK Microworks, Hwaseung Chemical, and Xiaoxing Chemical, applied for a reassessment of ADD.

On April 9, 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Finance of South Korea issued Announcement No. 2025-98, stating that upon application by Korean enterprises, a midterm review investigation on anti-dumping duties has been initiated for polyethylene terephthalate or PET film (PET) imported from the Chinese exporters Kanghui New Material Technology Co., Ltd. and its affiliates, and Tianjin Wanhua Co., Ltd. The investigation will examine whether adjustments to the current anti-dumping duties are necessary. The dumping investigation period is from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Unless otherwise extended (maximum of four months), the midterm review investigation will be completed within four months. The involved product's Korean tariff codes are 3920.62.0000 and 3920.69.0000. The announcement is effective from the date of publication.

On September 5, 2007, South Korea initiated an anti-dumping investigation on PET films imported from China and India. On October 27, 2008, South Korea officially imposed anti-dumping duties on the products from China and India involved in the case. Subsequently, South Korea conducted four sunset review investigations and made affirmative final determinations. On May 8, 2023, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance of South Korea extended the anti-dumping duties on the products involved for the fourth time (refer to Order No. 992 of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance).