April 28, 2025 – As the global polypropylene film market witnesses intensifying competition, the shadow of trade disputes looms large once again. South Korea, a significant consumer and importer of such products, has recently made a trade decision that has sparked widespread attention. According to the “2025 – 2030 Global and Chinese Polypropylene Industry Market Status Survey and Development Prospect Analysis Report” released by China Report Hall, on April 25, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance issued Order No. 1125, announcing the continuation of anti – dumping duties on oriented polypropylene films thicker than 10 microns originating from China, Indonesia, and Thailand for a period of five years. For Chinese products, the tax rate ranges from 2.50% to 25.04%. This measure took effect immediately upon announcement, covering South Korean tariff numbers 3920.20.0000 and 3921.90.2000.
In fact, South Korea’s anti – dumping investigation into polypropylene film products from the aforementioned three countries began many years ago. On January 7, 2013, South Korea officially launched the investigation process. After nearly a year of in – depth investigation and evaluation, anti – dumping duties on related products were officially imposed on December 20, 2013. Subsequently, on August 23, 2019, South Korea decided to extend the duty – imposing period through a sunset review. On April 26, 2024, South Korea launched the second sunset review investigation, and on February 20, 2025, a final ruling was made, recommending the continuation of anti – dumping duties.
According to insights from AsiaMB, the continuation of these anti – dumping duties is a heavy blow to the polypropylene film exports of the relevant countries. For Chinese enterprises in particular, the tax rate as high as 25.04% will significantly increase export costs and severely squeeze profit margins. Under such pressure, some enterprises may have to re – evaluate their market layouts, adjust export strategies, and may even be forced to reduce exports to the South Korean market and seek other overseas markets instead. From South Korea’s perspective, this move fully demonstrates its determination to protect the domestic polypropylene film industry. South Korea hopes to stabilize the market share of domestic related enterprises, enhance their competitiveness in the global market, and reduce the impact of imported products.
South Korea’s decision to extend anti – dumping duties on polypropylene films from China, Indonesia, and Thailand reflects the continued spread of protectionist tendencies in international trade. In the process of global economic integration, trade protection measures not only disrupt the fair and free market environment and impede the effective allocation of resources but also have a profound impact on the export trade patterns of related countries. The global polypropylene film market is already highly competitive, with enterprises from various countries competing comprehensively in terms of technology, cost, and quality. South Korea’s action has undoubtedly made the market competition more complex and severe.
Looking ahead, enterprises from the relevant countries must proactively respond to this unfavorable situation. On the one hand, they should continuously increase investment in technological innovation, improve product quality and performance, and enhance their risk – resistance capabilities in the international market with high – value – added products. On the other hand, they should accelerate the implementation of a market diversification strategy, reduce dependence on a single market, and actively explore emerging markets to effectively mitigate the negative impacts of trade barriers. Only in this way can enterprises survive and achieve sustainable development in the ever – changing international trade environment.