China has announced anti-dumping duties of up to 74.9% on imports of POM copolymers, a type of engineering plastic, from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan.
The decision follows a probe initiated in May 2024, shortly after the US imposed higher tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, computer chips, and other products.
POM copolymers, which can partly substitute metals like copper and zinc, are used in industries such as automotive parts, electronics, and medical equipment.
In January, China’s Commerce Ministry found evidence of dumping and imposed preliminary anti-dumping measures requiring deposits starting January 24.
According to Sunday’s announcement, imports from the US will face the highest duty of 74.9%, while imports from the EU will be subject to a 34.5% tariff.
Japanese imports will be charged a 35.5% duty, except for Asahi Kasei Corp, which received a company-specific rate of 24.5%. Imports from Taiwan will face a general 32.6% duty, with Formosa Plastics and Polyplastics Taiwan receiving lower rates of 4% and 3.8%, respectively.
Despite rising hopes for easing tensions in the US-China trade war after a 90-day tariff truce, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group warned of “fundamental challenges” to the global trade system following a recent meeting in South Korea.
On Monday, Asian shares dipped amid mixed Chinese economic data showing the domestic economy struggling even as US tariffs started affecting exports. Growth in China’s industrial output and retail sales slowed in April, threatening momentum in the world’s second-largest economy.
However, the tariff impact has not yet severely affected China’s economic activity, with industrial output exceeding expectations and unemployment easing.
Official data revealed that industrial output in April grew 6.1% year-on-year, down from 7.7% in March but above the expected 5.5%. Retail sales rose 5.1%, slowing from 5.9% in March and below the 5.5% forecast.
Fixed asset investment grew 4.0% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the previous year, slightly below the expected 4.2%, following a 4.2% increase in the first quarter.
Property investment continued to decline, falling 10.3% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the previous year, worsening from a 9.9% drop in the first quarter. Property sales by floor area shrank 2.8% in January-April, and new construction starts fell 23.8%, both showing little improvement from earlier in the year.
