US levies duties on Chinese flame retardant

Market: Petrochemicals
01/10/24

The US Department of Commerce unveiled a preliminary affirmative determination of countervailing duties (CVD) on imported alkyl phosphate esters from at least three Chinese companies.

Alkyl phosphate esters are primarily used as flame retardants in rigid and flexible polyurethane foam applications such as TCPP, TDCP and TEP.

The antidumping preliminary rates were announced for Anhui RunYue Technology at 96.83pc, Zhejiang Wansheng at 35.47pc and Zhejiang Wnada Tools Group at 546.13pc. All others will face duties of 50.15pc

The overarching rate imposed on imports of alkyl phosphate esters from China was 25pc prior to the investigation. Commerce is still weighing possible antidumping duties on imports from China, which would likely hike the current rates.

With import duties set to rise, market participants anticipate prices for materials such as spray foam and insulation to increase or for the market to pivot and begin using alternative options.

By Catherine Rabe

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