Initiation of an Expiry Review of the Anti-Dumping Duties on Potassium Hydroxide Originating in the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China

1. Background

On August 8, 2025, the Minister of Finance received an application from the Potassium Product Manufacturers Association for an extension of the period^*1 of imposition of the anti-dumping duties on potassium hydroxide^*2 originating in the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China.^*3

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) examined the application in accordance with the WTO Agreements and related domestic laws and regulations. The results showed that the application had sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of an expiry review. Therefore, the ministries have decided to initiate a joint investigation (Public Notice on December 25, 2025).

Notes

*1 The Government of Japan imposed anti-dumping duties of 49.5% to 73.7% on potassium hydroxide originating in the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China for the period from August 9, 2016, to August 12, 2026.

*2 Potassium hydroxide, which is in the form of liquid dissolved in water or white flake solid,　and mainly used as a material for potassium salts such as potassium carbonate, chemical fertilizer and detergents, etc.

*3 Excluding the regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

2. Outline of the Investigation

The expiry review is to be concluded within one year, in principle. The ministries will provide opportunities for interested parties and carry out a factual investigation of companies in the Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China and Japan.

Based on the results of the expiry review, the Government of Japan will determine whether or not there is the likelihood that the importation of the dumped product and the fact of material injury, etc., to domestic industry caused by the importation of the dumped product would be likely to continue or recur after the expiry of the period, in accordance with the provisions of the international rules under the WTO Agreements and related domestic laws and regulations. It will then make a decision on whether or not to extend the period of imposition of the anti-dumping duties on the product subject to the expiry review.

References

• Summary of the Written Application from the Domestic Industry(PDF:92KB)
• Questionnaires (Japanese)

Divisions in Charge

• Office for Trade Remedy Investigations, Trade Control Department, Trade and Economic Security Bureau

• Material Industries Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau