Korean Chemicals Hit With New U.S. Import Duties
Published Date: 5/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that certain chemicals called monomers and oligomers from South Korea are being sold in the U.S. for less than their fair price. This means importers from Korea will face extra duties starting May 27, 2026, to protect American businesses. If you’re involved in this trade, get ready for new costs and rules that kick in right away!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Importers Face New Antidumping Duties
The Department of Commerce found certain monomers and oligomers from Korea are being sold at less than fair value, so importers of these products from Korea will face extra antidumping duties starting May 27, 2026. If you import these chemicals, be prepared for new costs and customs requirements tied to this final determination.
Company-Specific Duty Rates Set
Commerce assigned estimated weighted-average dumping margins of 65.72 percent for Green Chemical Co., Ltd. (and the 'All Others' rate) and 155.42 percent for Miwon Specialty Chemical Co., Ltd. and Kukdo Chemicals Co., Ltd. These percentages are the basis for cash deposits or duties tied to imports of the subject merchandise.
Suspension of Liquidation and Backdated Coverage
CBP will continue to suspend liquidation of subject entries entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after January 5, 2026 (the Preliminary Determination date). Because Commerce found critical circumstances, suspension of liquidation will cover entries on or after October 7, 2025 (90 days before the Preliminary Determination). Commerce will instruct CBP to require cash deposits equal to the assigned company-specific or all-others rates.
ITC Injury Decision and Possible Refunds
Commerce will notify the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) of the final affirmative LTFV determination, and the ITC will decide within 45 days whether U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened. If the ITC finds no injury, the proceeding ends, suspension of liquidation is lifted, and cash deposits will be refunded or canceled; if the ITC finds injury, Commerce will issue an antidumping order and duties will be assessed as instructed.
Blends with ≥20% In-Scope Product Covered
A blend or mixture will be covered by the scope if it contains no less than 20 percent by weight of in-scope monomers and oligomers. That means imports of mixtures with at least 20% of the listed CMOs can be subject to these duties.
Downstream Products Like Inks and Coatings Excluded
Downstream products, including but not limited to inks, coatings, and overprint varnishes, are specifically excluded from the scope when the downstream product requires only application of energy (thermal, ultraviolet, visible light, electron beam, or infrared) to be cured. Importers of these downstream items are not covered by this antidumping scope.
HTSUS Codes Identified for Customs Classification
Commerce listed Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings associated with the subject merchandise: 2916.12.5050, 2916.14.2050, 3824.99.2900, 3907.29.0000, 3907.30.0000, and possibly 2916.12.1000 and 3824.99.9397. Importers should review these codes for customs classification of affected entries.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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