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On May 22, 2025, the European Commission (EC) officially published a Notice of Initiation of an antidumping (AD) investigation concerning imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) originating from Vietnam. This marks the latest development in a growing number of trade remedy cases targeting Vietnamese exports in the global market.
1. Background and Scope of Investigation
According to the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (TRAV), PET products had already been flagged for potential investigation since December 2024. A formal complaint was submitted by the complainant on April 9, 2025, and accepted by the EC, leading to the issuance of the Notice of Initiation on May 22, 2025.
The complainant in this case is PET Europe, an industry group representing the domestic PET manufacturing sector within the European Union (EU). The petition alleges that PET products imported from Vietnam are being sold in the EU at prices lower than their normal value in Vietnam, causing significant injury to the EU industry.
2. Product under Investigation
The product under investigation is PET with an intrinsic viscosity of 78 ml/g or higher, as measured in accordance with ISO standard 1628-5. These products are currently classified under CN code 39076100. PET is a critical raw material in the packaging industry, particularly for manufacturing plastic bottles and food packaging.
3. Investigation Period and Main Allegations
The EC has determined the period of investigation for dumping practices to be from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The injury analysis will cover a four-year period, from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2024.
According to the complainant, the alleged dumping margins range between 11% and 19%. The EC further alleges that domestic price interventions in Vietnam—specifically with respect to the price of virgin raw materials—may be distorting fair competition.
During the investigation period, Vietnam’s total exports of PET to the EU reached 402,545 metric tons, indicating the substantial trade volume involved.
4. Investigation Procedure and Timeline
Under EU regulations, the standard duration of an AD investigation is 12 months from the date of initiation, but it may be extended to a maximum of 14 months. During this period, the EC will collect information, issue questionnaires to Vietnamese exporters and the Vietnamese government, conduct on-site verifications (if necessary), and issue both preliminary and final findings.
The Notice of Initiation also provides detailed guidance on the rights and obligations of interested parties, procedural steps to be followed, and instructions for using the TRON system—the EC’s digital platform for managing trade investigation documentation.
5. Recommendations from the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam
In response to this case, TRAV recommends that Vietnamese PET producers, exporters, and the Vietnam Plastics Association take the following steps:
- Promptly review the initiation notice and related documents to fully understand the case details, especially the methodology for calculating dumping margins and the injury allegations;
- Actively and fully cooperate with the EC throughout the investigation process, including timely and accurate responses to questionnaires and consistent data submission as required;
- Coordinate closely with TRAV for ongoing updates, technical support, and legal guidance in preparing case files, developing rebuttal arguments, and protecting legitimate interests;
- Strengthen internal review mechanisms regarding export pricing and sales practices to ensure transparency and readiness in providing reliable data for the investigation.
This investigation represents a serious risk of duties being imposed on Vietnamese PET exports and demands proactive and strategic engagement from all stakeholders.
To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Vietnamese law firms specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy for timely assistance.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to [email protected].
ASL LAW is the top-tier Vietnam law firm for Anti-dumping & countervailing. If you need any advice, please contact us for further information or collaboration.
