The European Commission is reviewing a significant increase in anti-dumping duties on acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin imported from South Korea, with proposed rates reaching as high as 9.2% for LG Chem. This move, following a complaint by European ABS producers, threatens to further squeeze Korean chemical exporters already grappling with weak global demand and oversupply from China. A final decision is expected on February 18, and if confirmed, the higher duties would apply for five years, directly impacting supply costs for European importers and downstream industries such as automotive, electronics, and home appliances.
Proposed duty increases by company
The European Commission has proposed raising the provisional anti-dumping duty on LG Chem's ABS from 3.7% to 9.2%, an increase of 5.5 percentage points. For Lotte Chemical, the proposed rate rises from 5.8% to 7.1%. Other cooperating producers, including Kumho Petrochemical and INEOS Styrolution Korea, face a proposed duty of 8.6%, nearly double the previous level. These rates were suggested after European ABS producers with facilities in Switzerland, Italy, and Germany complained in November 2024 that the initial provisional duties were too low.
Timeline and duration
The European Commission will issue its final determination on February 18, 2025. If the proposed duties are confirmed, they will remain in effect for five years. European importers of Korean ABS will then be required to pay the higher anti-dumping duties on all relevant shipments, increasing procurement costs for converters and end-users across the EU.
Supply-chain impact
Korean ABS producers already face severe overcapacity as China, once their largest export market, has sharply reduced imports after achieving self-sufficiency. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Singapore are building their own production capacity. The EU's tariff escalation further narrows export options for Korean suppliers. In 2024, South Korea exported ABS resin to 20 EU member states, according to the Korea International Trade Association.
What buyers should watch
European importers and formulators of ABS should prepare for higher landed costs if the final duties are confirmed. The proposed rates vary by supplier, so buyers may need to review sourcing contracts and consider alternative origins or negotiate price adjustments. The five-year duration of the duties means long-term supply agreements could be affected. Monitoring the February 18 final ruling and any subsequent reviews will be essential for cost planning.
Source: Read the original report | Published: January 07, 2026