From June to July 2026, the National Tariff Commission (NTC) of Pakistan initiated multiple anti-dumping investigations against Chinese export products, covering soda ash, composite aluminum foil, ibuprofen, and ceramic tableware. These products span several sectors including basic chemicals, pharmaceutical raw materials, packaging materials, and light industrial consumer goods.
Judging from the targets of this round of trade investigations, they not only involve traditional industrial products but also include chemical and pharmaceutical raw materials in which China has strong export advantages, indicating that Pakistan's domestic industry protection measures are extending into more segmented sectors.
Soda Ash Investigated First, Affecting China's Basic Chemical Exports
On June 11, the NTC issued Announcement No. 75, initiating an anti-dumping investigation against soda ash (Sodium Carbonate) originating in or imported from China, following applications filed by Pakistani companies Lucky Core Industries Limited and Olympia Chemical Limited.
The product concerned corresponds to Pakistan tariff code 2836.2000. The dumping investigation period is from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, and the injury investigation period is from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2026.
Soda ash is a key basic raw material for glass, detergents, alumina and other industries. In recent years, China's soda ash production capacity has continued to expand, making it one of the world's largest producers and exporters. Intensified competition in overseas markets has also made it a frequent target of trade remedy investigations in some countries.
Composite Aluminum Foil Investigation Launched, Involving Pharmaceutical Packaging Materials
On July 22, the NTC issued Announcement No. ADC76, initiating an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese composite aluminum foil.
The case was filed by Pakistani company Zenith Packages Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. on June 30. The products involved include Cold Form Foil and Tropical Foil, corresponding to tariff codes 7607.1990 and 7607.2000.
Composite aluminum foil is mainly used in pharmaceutical blister packaging, food packaging and other fields. As global demand for pharmaceutical packaging grows, Chinese aluminum foil processors have been expanding their export scale in international markets, which has also drawn the attention of trade investigations in some markets.
Ibuprofen Included in the Same Round for the First Time, with China and the US Both as Targets
On July 25, the NTC issued Announcement No. ADC78, initiating an anti-dumping investigation against Ibuprofen originating in China and the United States.
The case was also filed by Zenith Chemical Industries (Pvt.) Ltd., and the product tariff code is 2916.3910.
Ibuprofen is one of the world's major antipyretic and analgesic active pharmaceutical ingredients. China has long held a dominant position in global supply and has strong competitiveness in international export markets. This investigation, which simultaneously covers China and the US, is the only case in this round involving two major exporting countries.
Ceramic Tableware Added to the Investigation Scope
On July 29, the NTC issued Announcement No. ADC77, initiating an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese ceramic tableware.
The applicant is Green Crockery & Housewares (Private) Limited, and the tariff codes involved include 6911.1010, 6911.1020, 6911.1030, 6911.1040, 6911.1090, and 6912.0010.
Unlike the previous three products, ceramic tableware belongs to the consumer goods sector, but it is also one of China's export-advantaged products.
Multiple Industries Targeted in Consecutive Cases, Marking a Notable Increase in Pakistan's Trade Remedy Measures
According to the NTC announcements, the dumping investigation period for all four cases is from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, and the injury investigation period covers from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2026.
Under Pakistan's anti-dumping procedures, preliminary rulings are generally issued within 60 to 180 days from the initiation date. Interested parties are required to register for response within 10 days of the announcement and submit relevant materials within 45 days.
Since the beginning of 2026, Pakistan has already taken trade remedy measures against Chinese products such as PTA and pharmaceutical raw materials. The current investigations covering soda ash, composite aluminum foil, ibuprofen and others further expand the scope of affected sectors.
