This investigation targets a critical chemical used in producing polyurethanes, solvents and intermediates, with significant implications for professionals in the chemicals supply chain.
1,4-Butanediol (BDO) is essential for manufacturing tetrahydrofuran (THF), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyurethane intermediates, with applications in automotive, textiles and electronics industries. The complaint by INEOS Solvents alleges that BDO imports from China, Saudi Arabia and the United States, classified under CN codes ex 2905 39 26 and ex 2905 39 28 (TARIC codes 2905 39 26 10 and 2905 39 28 10), are being dumped, causing material injury to the EU industry.
The investigation, conducted under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, covers the period from 1 January 2024, to 31 December 2024, with injury analysis spanning 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2024.
The Commission will determine whether exporters from the named countries are selling BDO below normal value and whether these imports are causing injury to the EU industry through price suppression, reduced market share, or decreased profitability. For China, due to significant market distortions, the normal value will be constructed using undistorted prices or benchmarks per Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation.
The investigation is expected to conclude within 15 months, by September 2026, with provisional anti-dumping duties possible within seven to eight months from initiation, around November 2025 to January 2026.