Preliminary determination of Anti-Dumping Duty Investigation of Dipotassium Carbonate Originating in the Republic of Korea

Joint press release by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Finance (MOF)

February 25, 2021

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) made a preliminary determination in the anti-dumping investigation of the product presuming the fact of the importation of the dumped product and the fact of the material injury to the domestic industry.

Background

Upon receipt of an application from the Potassium Product Manufactures Association*1 on April 30, 2020, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) have been conducting an investigation since June 29, 2020 to determine whether or not to impose an anti-dumping duty on dipotassium carbonate*2 originating in the Republic of Korea

*1:  Potassium Product Manufactures Association is an industry association whose members are conducting businesses relating electrolysis of potassium chloride.
*2:  Dipotassium carbonate, which is generally in the form of white powder, is mainly used as a material for glass including liquid crystal panels, or as a food addictive for lye water to be added to Chinese noodles, etc.

Outline of the Investigation

METI and MOF have explored objective evidence collected from interested parties including suppliers in the Republic of Korea, as providing opportunities for them to present evidence and to express their views. As a result, METI and MOF today made a preliminary determination in the anti-dumping investigation of the product presuming the fact of the importation of the dumped product and the fact of the material injury to the domestic industry caused by such importation. (Public Notice on February 25, 2021)

Next Steps

METI and MOF will continue the investigation in accordance with the provisions of the international rules under the WTO Agreements and related domestic laws and regulations, providing the interested parties with an appropriate opportunity for presenting evidence and expressing their views relating to the preliminary determination.
Following the further investigation, the Government of Japan will determine whether or not the product has been imported into Japan at dumped prices and if such dumped imports have caused material injury to the domestic industry, and make a decision whether or not to impose a definitive anti-dumping duty on the product.
The interim report on preliminary determination offers details of the investigation.

Reference

  1. Public Notice on February 25, 2021 (in Japanese)
  2. Interim report on preliminary determination (in Japanese)