The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) received a formal application for anti-dumping investigation on May 23, 2023, from the Jiangsu Province Chemical Industry Association (the applicant), representing the Chinese propionic acid industry. The applicant has requested an anti-dumping investigation into the import of propionic acid originating from the United States. MOFCOM, in accordance with the Anti-Dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, has reviewed the qualifications of the applicant, the circumstances concerning the product under investigation, the circumstances concerning the similar products in China, the impact of the product under investigation on the Chinese industry, and the situation in the country under investigation.
Based on the evidence provided by the applicant and the preliminary review by MOFCOM, the production volume of propionic acid by the applicant constituted over 50% of the total volume of similar products in China in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and the first three months of 2023. This satisfies the requirements of Article 11 and Article 13 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, which state the conditions for Chinese industries to apply for anti-dumping investigations. Furthermore, the application contains the content and evidence required by Article 14 and Article 15 of the regulations for the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation.
Based on the review, MOFCOM has decided, in accordance with Article 16 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations, to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into the import of propionic acid originating from the United States, effective from July 21, 2023. The following matters are hereby announced:
- Investigation and Investigation Period: From the date of this announcement, MOFCOM will initiate an anti-dumping investigation into the import of propionic acid originating from the United States. The dumping investigation period determined for this investigation is from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, and the industry injury investigation period is from January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2023.
- Product Under Investigation and Investigation Scope:
Investigation scope: Import of propionic acid originating from the United States
Product under investigation: Propionic Acid
English name: Propionic Acid, abbreviated as PA
Molecular formula: C3H6O2
Chemical structure:
Physical and Chemical Characteristics: Propionic acid is typically a colorless or slightly yellow liquid at room temperature, with a pungent odor. It is flammable and can dissolve in water as well as organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. Propionic acid is chemically reactive and can form salts, esters, acyl chlorides, amides, and anhydrides through chemical reactions.
Main Applications: Propionic acid is an important fine chemical product and organic synthesis raw material. It is primarily used to produce preservatives, mold inhibitors, herbicides, and pharmaceutical intermediates, and is widely used in fields such as food, feed, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The product is classified under the Import and Export Tariff of the People’s Republic of China (2023): 29155010.
