The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have launched an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese rutile titanium dioxide pigment. The investigation will generally be completed within one year and follows an application by the Japan Titanium Dioxide Industry Association.
The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced on the 16th that they had launched an anti-dumping investigation into pigment made from Chinese rutile titanium dioxide. The material is used in automotive and architectural coatings, and falling import prices may affect domestic industry.
The investigation will generally be completed within one year. On 7 August, the Japan Titanium Dioxide Industry Association submitted an application to the Minister of Finance seeking the imposition of anti-dumping duties. The association claims that Chinese products are being sold in Japan below the prices of domestic products and points to evidence that dumped goods are being imported.
Relevant parties have indicated that, amid price competition, manufacturers were forced to abandon price increases necessitated by rising production costs. The investigation was launched to protect domestic industry. The impact on the companies concerned will depend on the subsequent procedures and outcome.