TRA opens new investigation into SPVC from the USA
The TRA has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports of SPVC from the USA.
The Trade Remedies Authority has today (8 January) opened a new investigation into imports of Suspension Poly(vinyl chloride) (SPVC) from the US.
SPVC is used to create a range of medical products including blood storage bags as well as water pipes, window frames, food packaging, bottles and cable insulation. In 2022, the UK used around 440,000 metric tonnes of SPVC with the UK market being worth around £660-£700m.
This investigation is in response to an application from INOVYN ChlorVinyls Ltd, based in Runcorn and Newton Aycliffe. The TRA will investigate whether imports of SPVC are being dumped in the UK, and are causing injury to INOVYN ChlorVinyls Ltd’s business and to UK industry. Where the TRA recommends a remedy is necessary, we will conduct an Economic Interest Test (EIT) to assess whether the implementation of the remedy is in the UK’s economic interest.
Oliver Griffiths, TRA Chief Executive, said:
“We are seeing a significant pick up in applications for new trade remedies protections. This latest investigation will look at whether SPVC from the US is being sold into the UK at an unfair price because of dumping, and whether we need remedies to defend the UK economy.”
The TRA is seeking information from all interested parties to establish whether imports of SPVC from the US are being dumped in the UK at prices below their normal value, and whether this is causing injury to domestic industry.
To contribute to this investigation, please visit the TRA public file.
Background information:
- This case initiated on 8 January 2024.
- The Trade Remedies Authority is the UK body that investigates whether new trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports.
- The TRA is an arm’s length body of the Department for Business and Trade.
- UK industries concerned about imports have been able to submit applications for a new trade remedy measure since January 2021. These applications are considered by the TRA to see if there are grounds for an investigation.
- Since it was established in 2021 as a new post Brexit body to defend UK industry against unfair international trade practices, the TRA welcomes applications from all industry sectors.
- As with this new application by UK manufacturer, Inovyn, our Pre-Application Office encourages UK businesses to get in touch with any evidence that they think constitutes unfair trade practices