Sun May 18 07:11:12 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

China has announced significant anti-dumping duties on imports of POM copolymers (an engineering plastic) from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. These duties, ranging from 4% to 74.9%, come after a year-long investigation that began shortly after the U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese goods. The move is seen by some as potentially affecting trade relations and comes amidst calls for easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China.

**News Article:**

**China Slaps Anti-Dumping Duties on Key Plastic Imports from US, EU, Japan, and Taiwan**

**BEIJING (May 18, 2025) –** China’s Commerce Ministry announced today the imposition of substantial anti-dumping duties on imports of POM copolymers, a type of engineering plastic widely used in automotive, electronics, and medical applications. The duties, reaching as high as 74.9%, target imports from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan.

The decision follows a year-long investigation that commenced in May 2024, shortly after the U.S. administration escalated tariffs on key Chinese exports, including electric vehicles and computer chips.

The highest duties, 74.9%, will be levied on U.S. imports. European shipments will face a 34.5% tariff. Japanese imports will be subject to a 35.5% duty, with an exception for Asahi Kasei Corp., which will receive a company-specific rate of 24.5%. Imports from Taiwan will face a general rate of 32.6%, while Formosa Plastics and Polyplastics Taiwan will be subject to 4% and 3.8% tariffs, respectively.

POM copolymers are increasingly used as a substitute for metals like copper and zinc. The Ministry previously indicated in January that initial investigations determined dumping was taking place, implementing preliminary anti-dumping measures in the form of a deposit starting January 24th.

The move comes amid mixed signals regarding U.S.-China trade relations. Recent reports have suggested that both nations had agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs in a 90-day truce, however this development may prove a setback to any improvements in relations.

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