U.S. Epoxy Resin Manufacturers Seek AD/CVD Tariffs on Five Countries
Two U.S. manufacturers of epoxy resin, Olin Corporation and Westlake Epoxy have alleged that imports from China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand have been sold at less than fair value (“dumped” in trade law terms) with manufacturers also benefiting from subsidies.
The filing covers epoxy resins used in coatings, paints, adhesives, composite materials, wind blade systems, insulating materials, civil engineering materials, and electronics.
The filings start a two-step process at different government entities. The dumping and subsidy claims will be evaluated by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), which will determine if these practices occurred and will calculate the duties needed to offset these practices. The U.S. International Trade Commission will determine if U.S. producers were harmed by these practices (“injury” in trade law terms).
If the DOC finds in the affirmative on either dumping or subsidies allegations, and the ITC determines U.S. manufacturers were injured, duties will be imposed.
A detailed description of the scope of the action prepared by the law firm White and Case can be found here. Another law firm, Clark Hill, has also published a description and an expected timeline here. Volume I: General Issues and Injury can be found here, the scope is on page 14. Volume VII: China Subsidies can be found here.
Please contact Dan Neumann with any questions.