Korea’s Acetone Escapes US Dumping Duty Trap
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce reviewed acetone imports from Korea and found that Kumho P&B Chemicals didn’t sell their acetone at unfairly low prices during March 2023 to February 2024. This means no extra duties will be charged, keeping things fair and steady for importers and buyers. The final decision kicks in on November 24, 2025, after some government delays pushed deadlines back.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
33.10% cash deposit for other producers
The cash deposit rate for all other producers or exporters not covered by this review will continue to be the all-others rate of 33.10 percent for shipments entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after the publication date of the final results (November 24, 2025).
Duty risk for KPB shipments via intermediaries
For KPB-produced entries during the POR where KPB did not know the merchandise it sold to an intermediary was destined for the United States, Commerce will instruct CBP to liquidate such entries at the all-others rate of 33.10 percent if there is no rate for the intermediate company(ies) involved.
Importers must certify reimbursement or face doubled duties
This notice reminds importers of their duty under 19 CFR 351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate about reimbursement of antidumping duties prior to liquidation of entries from this review period. If an importer fails to file the certificate, Commerce may presume reimbursement occurred and could assess doubled antidumping duties.
No antidumping duties for KPB
Commerce found that Kumho P&B Chemicals (KPB) had a weighted-average dumping margin of 0.00% for the period March 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024, effective November 24, 2025. Because the margin is zero, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to liquidate KPB entries without regard to antidumping duties.
Zero cash deposit for KPB shipments
For shipments of subject merchandise entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after the publication date of these final results (November 24, 2025), the cash deposit rate for KPB will equal the final weighted-average dumping margin; if the rate is less than 0.50 percent (de minimis), the cash deposit rate will be zero. KPB's final margin is 0.00%, so the cash deposit rate for KPB shipments will be zero.
Timing of liquidation instructions
Commerce intends to issue liquidation instructions to CBP no earlier than 35 days after the date of publication of the final results in the Federal Register. If a timely summons is filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade, the instructions will direct CBP not to liquidate relevant entries until the time for parties to request a statutory injunction has expired (i.e., within 90 days of publication).
Commerce will disclose calculations quickly
Commerce intends to disclose the calculations performed in connection with these final results to interested parties within five days after public announcement of the final results or within five days of the publication date in the Federal Register (in accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b)).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17418, Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts From India: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that citric acid and some citrate salts from India are likely being sold in the U.S. for less than their fair price. This means importers from India might face extra duties soon, and the final decision is delayed to give everyone more time to weigh in. This affects businesses buying or selling these products and could change prices starting late 2026.
2026-17121, Fresh Winter Strawberries From Mexico: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that fresh winter strawberries from Mexico are likely being sold in the U.S. for less than their fair price. This affects Mexican strawberry exporters and could lead to extra duties to protect U.S. growers. The final decision is delayed, and provisional measures are extended, so watch for updates on costs and rules soon!
2026-17047, Oleoresin Paprika From India: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Final Negative Determination of Critical Circumstances
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that oleoresin paprika from India is being sold in the U.S. for less than its fair price. This means importers might face extra duties starting August 21, 2026, to keep things fair for American businesses. If you’re involved in importing or selling this spice, get ready for some changes that could affect costs and timing.
2026-17155, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Procedures for Submissions by Certain Steel and Aluminum Producers Committing to New U.S. Steel or Aluminum Production To Obtain Tariff Adjustments Under Proclamation 10984
2026-17050, Silicon Metal From Australia and Norway: Antidumping Duty Orders
Based on affirmative final determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), Commerce is issuing antidumping duty (AD) orders on silicon metal from Australia and Norway.
2026-17049, Silicon Metal From Australia and Norway: Countervailing Duty Orders
Based on affirmative final determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), Commerce is issuing countervailing duty (CVD) orders on silicon metal from Australia and Norway.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20731, Performance Review Board Members
The Department of Health and Human Services just announced the team of Performance Review Board members who will evaluate top executives’ work for 2025 and 2026. These reviews help decide performance ratings and pay recommendations for senior leaders, making sure the best get recognized. If you’re a senior executive or similar, this means your performance will be carefully reviewed by this new lineup starting now.
Next: 2025-20734, Quarterly Update to Annual Listing of Foreign Government Subsidies on Articles of Cheese Subject to an In-Quota Rate of Duty
The U.S. Department of Commerce is updating its list of foreign government subsidies on certain cheeses that get special low import taxes. Cheese importers, traders, and anyone with info on these subsidies should speak up by December 31, 2025. This helps keep trade fair and ensures the right duties are applied, so no one gets an unfair cheese advantage!