China Extends Anti-Dumping Duties on Phenol Imports from US, EU, Korea, Japan, Thailand

China’s Ministry of Commerce has decided to continue imposing anti-dumping tariffs on imported phenol originating from the United States, European Union, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand . According to an official announcement (MOFCOM Notice No. 47 [2025]), the existing anti-dumping measures on phenol were up for a sunset review, which concluded that ending the duties could lead to continued dumping and harm to domestic producers. Thus, effective August 29, 2025, phenol imports from those regions will continue to be subject to anti-dumping duties for another five-year period. China’s Customs Tariff Commission approved the extension based on MOFCOM’s recommendation. Phenol is a key chemical (used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals), and China had originally imposed these duties five years ago to protect its domestic industry from unfairly low-priced imports. The renewal of the duty indicates that authorities still find overseas phenol exporters are likely selling at dumped prices. Importers from the US, EU, ROK, Japan, and Thailand will therefore face these continued extra tariffs, helping shield Chinese phenol producers from price undercutting. The decision underscores China’s stance on defending domestic chemical industries through trade remedy measures when necessary.