PET film imported from China, but also from Brazil and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be slapped with preliminary US anti-dumping duties – in the case of China amounting to as much as 77%. Excluded from the action are metallised films and treated films for some niche applications.

The International Trade Administration in the Department of Commerce (Washington, DC; www.trade.gov), acting in response to a petition brought by the four leading BOPET manufacturers Dupont Teijin Films, Mitsubishi Polyester Films, SKC and Toray Plastics (America) in September 2007, said it had “preliminarily determined” that Thailand – originally part of the investigation – “did not sell PET film at less than fair value in the United States.”

The Commerce Department said that one of China’s mandatory respondents had participated in the investigation and received an anti-dumping rate of 47% while a second that “failed to fully cooperate” received the China-wide rate of nearly 77%, “based on adverse facts available.” All Brazilian PET films will face duties of nearly 29%, while one will face a rate of 44% due to non-cooperation. UAE exporters got off relatively light, with a levy of 2.5%.

A final decision on the duties will be made on 28 July 2008.