Local bottle resin producers seek extension of anti-dumping duties

Local PET (polythene terephthalate) producers have until September 4 this year to file a request to extend the anti-dumping duties against Chinese Taipei, the Republic of Korea and India.

The heavy duties – China (75%), Korea (54.1%) and India (19.7%) – were implemented in June 2011 and are set to expire in March next year, according to International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) spokesperson, Foster Mohale.

He told FTW Online that the duties applied to bottle grade resin which is used in the manufacture of containers for soft drinks, cosmetics, cordials, cooking oils, sheet for cake baking, packaging for vegetables and more.

Local manufacturers and industry bodies did not respond to a call for comment but at least one manufacturer has responded to Itac requesting a further sunset review investigation, FTWO has learned.

Mohale said that since the industry had submitted a review request, Itac was awaiting what it termed a “duly substantiated application” from the industry which has to be submitted before September 4 to allow the commission sufficient time to consider whether or not to launch a sunset review investigation.