June 29, 2020
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) today decided to initiate a new anti-dumping investigation of dipotassium carbonate originating in the Republic of Korea. This anti-dumping investigation is initiated based on an application filed by the industry, which has been examined in accordance with the provisions of related laws and regulations.
Background
On April 30, 2020, METI and MOF received an application to impose an anti-dumping duty on dipotassium carbonate* originating in the Republic of Korea from the Potassium Product Manufacturers Association. Both ministries examined the application in accordance with the provisions of the international rules under the WTO Agreements and related domestic laws and regulations and found that the application fulfilled the formal requirements for initiating an investigation. As a result, the ministries decided to initiate a new anti-dumping investigation (Public Notice on June 29, 2020).
*Note: Dipotassium carbonate, which is generally in the form of white powder, mainly used as a material for glass including liquid crystal panels, or as a food additive for lye water to be added to Chinese noodles, etc.
Outline of the Investigation
The investigation is to be concluded within one year, in principle. The ministries will provide opportunities for interested parties to present evidence and information in addition to investigations to exporting companies in Korea and domestic companies.
Following those investigations, the Government of Japan will determine whether dumped imports of dipotassium carbonate from Korea have caused material injury to the domestic industry, in accordance with the provisions of the international rules under the WTO Agreements and related domestic laws and regulations and make a decision on whether or not to impose an anti-dumping duty on the product subject to the investigation.
