On May 5th, the European Commission officially announced its decision to impose anti-dumping duties on adipic acid imported from China. The duty rates range from 29.1% to 42.3%.
This move signifies that the EU's trade remedy measures against adipic acid exports from China have shifted from temporary measures to long-term, effective regulatory measures. It also reflects the European chemical industry's efforts to protect its interests by extending regulatory oversight to key links in the supply chain.
01. Adipic Acid Demonstrates its Important Role as a Key Intermediate in the Supply Chain
While adipic acid is not a product directly sold to consumers, its importance in the chemical supply chain cannot be ignored. It is mainly used in the production of nylon 66, polyurethane, polyester polyols, PBAT, plasticizers, and other products, which are then applied in multiple downstream sectors such as automobiles, textiles, engineering plastics, biodegradable plastics, coatings, adhesives, artificial leather, and industrial materials.
Industry data shows that the EU imports approximately €160 million worth of adipic acid from non-EU countries, with imports from China accounting for as much as €130 million. This means that the scope of the EU's anti-dumping measures against Chinese adipic acid extends far beyond a single chemical. This measure is likely to alter the cost structure and supply patterns of multiple downstream supply chains.
02. Why Did Adipic Acid Become a Target of Anti-dumping?
The fact that adipic acid has become a target of anti-dumping measures reflects the severe pressure faced by the European chemical industry. In recent years, European chemical companies have been plagued by multiple factors, including high energy costs, stringent environmental regulations, slow demand recovery, and competition from lower-priced Asian suppliers.
As a common intermediate product, adipic acid is easily targeted by trade remedy measures, especially when its import price is considered to depress domestic market prices. This is not an isolated case. The Financial Times reported that the number of anti-dumping complaints filed by European chemical companies against Chinese chemical products has reached a record high, with half of the newly initiated trade defense cases in the EU related to chemical products. These products include lysine, BDO, PVA, adipic acid, and other important chemical raw materials.
03. How Large is the Chinese Adipic Acid Market? Which Companies Are Subject to Anti-dumping Measures?
Currently, China's adipic acid production capacity accounts for approximately 65% of the global capacity, firmly establishing it as the world's largest producer. It possesses significant advantages in terms of industry scale, cost control, and supply stability.
In the EU market, China is the largest source of adipic acid imports. Data shows that the EU imports approximately €160 million worth of adipic acid annually, of which €130 million comes from China, accounting for 80%. Over the past five years, except for a slight decrease in 2022, China's adipic acid exports to the EU have shown an upward trend in all other years. The total amount of adipic acid exported from China to the EU has accounted for approximately 22% of China's total exports over the past five years.
On March 14, 2025, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation into adipic acid originating from China; on November 13, 2025, the European Commission made a preliminary anti-dumping determination on adipic acid originating from China; and on May 5, 2026, it will make a final determination.
