EU PVC Paste Resin Faces Up to 31.55% Anti-Dumping Tariff
Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Trade Commission sets tariffs on products from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden
- •Korea's Trade Commission has decided to impose up to 31.55% anti-dumping tariffs on PVC paste resin from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden.
- •The move is driven by injury to the domestic construction interior materials industry, with tariffs set at 30.60–31.55% for German, 31.55% for French, 25.79% for Norwegian, and 28.15% for Swedish products.
- •This final decision formalizes provisional tariffs introduced in February 2026, with a notable reduction in the tariff rate for French-origin products compared to the previous provisional maximum.
Key Decision
The Korea Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Trade Commission decided on June 21 at its 473rd plenary session to impose final anti-dumping tariffs of up to 31.55% on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) paste resin (PSR) imported from four European countries: Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden. The decision follows a determination that domestic industries have suffered material injury. Over the next five years, tariffs will be set at 30.60–31.55% for German-origin products, 31.55% for French-origin, 25.79% for Norwegian-origin, and 28.15% for Swedish-origin PSR.
Policy Rationale for Industrial Protection
This decision aims to preserve the competitiveness of Korea's domestic construction interior materials industry and ensure industrial structural stability. PSR is primarily used in construction and interior design applications such as interior walls, flooring, and window frames. Recent low-priced imports from Europe have negatively impacted the profitability and operational efficiency of domestic producers. The Trade Commission cited that domestic industry has faced price pressure and declining market share due to dumped exports, raising concerns over reduced employment and investment.
Comparison with Previous Measures
This final decision confirms and formalizes the provisional anti-dumping tariffs implemented since February 2026, following an initial determination in December 2025. The provisional tariffs, ranging from 25.79% to 42.81%, were imposed after analysis showed imported product prices were more than 20% below domestic market averages. The final tariffs adjust these ranges, with a notable reduction in the tariff rate for French-origin PSR, which now stands below the previous provisional maximum of 42.81%.
| Item | Provisional Tariff (Feb–May 2026) | Final Determination Tariff (from June 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| German PSR | 25.79–42.81% | 30.60–31.55% |
| French PSR | 25.79–42.81% | 31.55% |
| Norwegian PSR | 25.79–42.81% | 25.79% |
| Swedish PSR | 25.79–42.81% | 28.15% |
Follow-up Procedures and Related Actions
The Trade Commission has decided to submit this decision to the Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance for approval. Once approved, the tariffs will be officially implemented. Meanwhile, the Commission also reported the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese steel bars. SeAH VSteel and SeAH Changwon Special Steel had previously filed a request for an anti-dumping investigation in August 2025, citing that uncontrolled imports of Chinese steel bars could harm domestic industry competitiveness. Additionally, the Commission has decided to temporarily suspend its investigation into the case of alleged patent infringement by connected electric vehicles, as raised by Value Innovation Partners, pending a final ruling from the Patent Court.
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