Korea’s Subsidized Epoxy Resins Face U.S. Tax Sting
Published Date: 4/3/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that some Korean companies making epoxy resins got unfair government help, so they’re adding extra taxes on these imports starting April 3, 2025. This means U.S. buyers might pay more for these products, and Korean exporters will feel the pinch. The investigation looked at the whole year of 2023 to make this decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Korean Epoxy Resin Import Duties Set
Commerce found countervailable subsidies for certain epoxy resins from Korea and set ad valorem subsidy rates of 1.01% for Kukdo Chemical Co., Ltd., 1.84% for Kumho P&B Chemicals Inc., and 1.30% for all others. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is directed to suspend liquidation and require cash deposits in those amounts for entries entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after April 3, 2025; the suspension will remain in effect until further notice and the U.S. International Trade Commission will decide within 75 days whether a final countervailing duty order will be issued.
Which Epoxy Products Are Covered
The rule covers fully or partially uncured epoxy resins (epoxy groups present) in any physical form, and includes blends or resins with additives so long as the epoxy resin component is at least 30 percent of total weight. Exclusions include phenoxy resins (polymers >11,000 Daltons with specified Melt Flow Index 4–70 g/10 min and glass-transition temperature 80–100 °C), certain paint/coating products that meet three weight tests (pigment ≥10% of product, epoxy resin ≤80% of product, curing agent 5–40% of product), and Tetramethyl Bisphenol F-DGE Polymer (CAS 113693-69-9) with epoxy equivalent weight 200–230 g/eq.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05750, Certain Epoxy Resins From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Chinese companies making certain epoxy resins got unfair government help in 2023. Because of this, the U.S. will add extra taxes (called countervailing duties) on these products starting April 3, 2025. This move helps American businesses compete fairly and could affect prices and imports of these resins.
Next: 2025-05752, Certain Epoxy Resins From Taiwan: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that some epoxy resin makers in Taiwan got unfair government help, so they’re adding extra taxes on these imports starting April 3, 2025. This means companies importing these epoxy resins will pay more, leveling the playing field for U.S. businesses. The investigation covered the whole year of 2023 and aims to keep trade fair and square.