US launches investigation into imports of Vietnamese chemical

HÀ NỘI — The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) from several countries and territories, including Việt Nam, mainland China, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan (China), the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam said on Tuesday.Initiated on April 28 following a petition filed by the US-based BASF Corporation, the probe will examine whether PTMEG imports were sold into the US at less than fair value during the period from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.The DOC identified one Vietnamese exporter of PTMEG to the US.Under the department's classification system, Việt Nam is listed as a non-market economy, meaning that the DOC will use production factors and surrogate values from third countries to calculate dumping margins.Dumping margins alleged against Việt Nam range from 100.61 per cent to 151.47 per cent (using Jordan as a surrogate country), from 138.11 per cent to 201.99 per cent (using El Salvador) and from 149.88 per cent to 212.32 per cent (using Indonesia).The scope of the investigation is broad, covering most forms of PTMEG regardless of physical form, purity, molecular weight, number of hydroxyls, number of acids, colour, density, softening point, glass transition point, flash point, water content, viscosity and packaging. PTMEG that has been blended with other products is included when such blends include constituent parts that have been intermingled, but that have not been chemically reacted with each other to produce a different product.In response to the investigation, the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam urged producers and exporters to closely monitor developments and comply fully with requests from the investigator.The agency advised exporters to register accounts on the DOC’s ACCESS portal to track information and submit comments and data.It also warned that exporters failing to cooperate or providing incomplete responses could face the application of adverse facts available measures, potentially resulting in steep anti-dumping duties.Vietnamese companies should review export, sales and production cost data and coordinate closely with legal counsel, importers and the Trade Remedies Authority throughout the investigation process to safeguard their interests.PTMEG, also known as PTMG, PTHF or polybutylene glycol, is a semi-finished chemical material used in the production of spandex fibres, polyurethane and engineering plastics. The product is mainly classified under US HS code 3907.29.0000, though it may also enter under other tariff codes. — BIZHUB/VNS