US faces the steepest duty at 74.9%
Beijing, May 19 — In a move signaling escalating trade tensions, China on Sunday announced the imposition of strict anti-dumping duties on imports of polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymers from the United States, European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. These duties come after a detailed investigation concluded that dumping practices from these regions were harming China’s domestic industry.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce initiated the investigation in May 2024, just days after the US announced increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, semiconductors, and other goods. Preliminary findings in January 2025 revealed significant dumping, leading to provisional deposits being levied on January 24.
Now, China has finalized its decision, slapping a hefty 74.9% anti-dumping duty on POM copolymer imports from the United States — the highest among the countries targeted. Imports from the EU will attract a 34.5% duty, while Japan faces a 35.5% tariff, with an exception for Asahi Kasei Corp, which will pay 24.5%.
Taiwanese companies also face tariffs: most will pay 32.6%, but Formosa Plastics is subject to a reduced duty of 4%, and Polyplastics Taiwan will pay just 3.8%.
What Is POM Copolymer?
Polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability. It is frequently used as a substitute for metals such as copper and zinc in manufacturing components for automobiles, electronics, and medical devices.
Trade Retaliation Amid Global Tensions
This decision marks a notable escalation in China’s trade defense strategy, seen as a direct response to Western protectionist policies. As the global trade environment grows increasingly competitive and fragmented, such measures may become more frequent, especially in sectors considered strategic, such as plastics and electronics.
Industry experts say that while anti-dumping duties are legal under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, they often signal brewing geopolitical tensions, particularly when applied to sectors with high technological or economic value.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.