South Korean companies filed a record 13 anti-dumping investigation requests with the government in 2025, the highest since 2002, according to the Korea Trade Commission (KTC). Nine of those petitions targeted Chinese firms, with three against EU companies and one against a Japanese firm. The surge signals growing trade friction in chemicals and steel, key sectors for global buyers sourcing from South Korea and China.
Record anti-dumping filings
The KTC initiated 10 anti-dumping investigations in 2025, with steel and non-ferrous metal products accounting for four cases and chemical products for three. Preliminary rulings were issued in five cases, while the remaining five are still under investigation. This marks an escalation in South Korea's trade remedy activity, reflecting heightened protectionist pressures.
Chemical sector: PVC paste resin targeted
In the chemical sector, the KTC issued a preliminary ruling to impose anti-dumping duties of up to 42.81% on imported polyvinyl chloride (PVC) paste resin (PSR), used in construction interior materials. This directly impacts suppliers of PVC PSR, a key input for coatings, adhesives, and sealants, and signals tighter scrutiny on Chinese-origin chemical imports.
Steel and advanced industries also affected
Hyundai Steel's petition against Japanese and Chinese carbon and alloy steel hot-rolled products led to preliminary anti-dumping duties of 28.16% to 33.57%. Separately, the KTC investigated Japanese and Chinese industrial robot suppliers, imposing provisional duties of 21.17% to 43.60% on four-axis or more vertical multi-joint robots used in automotive assembly and logistics. This extends trade friction beyond traditional sectors into advanced manufacturing.
What buyers should watch
Importers of steel, PVC PSR, and industrial robots from China or Japan into South Korea should monitor final duty determinations, as retroactive application is possible. The KTC also imposed provisional duties of 11.92% to 19.43% on Thai fiberboard. With South Korea expanding its trade commission in March 2025 to counter protectionism, further anti-dumping actions on chemicals and industrial goods are likely. Buyers should review supply contracts for tariff risk clauses.
China sourcing context
South Korea itself remains a frequent target of anti-dumping measures globally. According to WTO data (1995–2024), South Korea ranks second (509 cases) after China (1,780 cases) in anti-dumping investigations, and fourth (34 cases) in countervailing duty cases. This dual role—as both petitioner and respondent—highlights the complex trade dynamics in the Asia-Pacific chemical and steel supply chains.
Source: Read the original report | Published: January 18, 2026