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On May 8, 2026, the European Commission (EC) announced its intention to terminate the anti-dumping investigation concerning polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products originating from Vietnam. This is considered a positive development for Vietnam’s plastics industry after nearly one year since the investigation was officially initiated.
Previously, in May 2025, the EC initiated an anti-dumping investigation into certain PET products exported from Vietnam to the European Union (EU) market. The proceeding was launched based on a complaint filed by PET Europe through its legal representative, the law firm O’Connor & Company.
During the investigation process, many Vietnamese exporters were required to provide detailed data relating to production activities, costs, sales volumes, and export transactions in order to demonstrate that Vietnamese PET products did not cause material injury to the EU domestic industry.
On May 1, 2026, the complainant officially submitted a notice withdrawing the complaint to the EC. After reviewing the case file and assessing the impact on the interests of the European Union, the EC stated that terminating the investigation would not adversely affect the EU domestic industry. On that basis, the authority is expected to officially close the investigation in the near future.
If the termination decision is formally adopted, Vietnamese PET products will not be subject to anti-dumping duties when exported to the EU market. This is particularly significant for Vietnamese enterprises, as the EU remains one of the most valuable export markets with stringent standards for the plastics industry.
This development also partly reflects the effectiveness of Vietnamese enterprises proactively participating and cooperating in foreign trade remedy investigations. In many cases, providing complete and timely data and developing an appropriate defense strategy can significantly influence the investigating authority’s final determination.
However, despite the positive direction of the case, the relevant enterprises should continue closely monitoring the EC’s final procedural steps. According to the current notice, interested parties still have the right to submit comments regarding the proposed termination before May 18, 2026. This means that the matter will not be completely closed until the EC officially issues its final decision.
In addition, the case demonstrates the increasing use of trade remedy measures in major export markets against Vietnamese products. Even where the final outcome is favorable, enterprises are still required to devote substantial resources in terms of time, personnel, and legal expenses in order to participate in the investigation process.
In this context, Vietnamese PET manufacturers and exporters should continue strengthening their accounting and export data management systems, enhance price control measures, and proactively develop response mechanisms for future trade remedy cases. Early preparation and maintaining effective cooperation with foreign investigating authorities will be important factors in minimizing risks and ensuring the stability of export activities in key markets such as the EU.
To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Vietnam Antidumping Law Firm 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.
