European Commission investi­gates recycled PET imports

Imports of PET and related raw materials are rising sharply. According to the European Commission, this is putting European producers under significant pressure. These substances are important inputs for industries including packaging. The Commission therefore launched an investigation on November 6, 2026. It will determine whether European producers need protection. Any measures must also take broader European interests into account.

According to the Commission, European producers face unprecedented difficulties. Growing global overcapacity is increasing the pressure from imports originating outside the European Union.

Other sectors also use these substances as raw materials. The Commission names textiles, construction, and manufacturers of advanced materials.

Investigation also covers recycled PET

The investigation covers several substances in the PET production value chain. These include virgin PET, recycled PET, and PET glycol. It also covers the raw materials terephthalic acid, monoethylene glycol, and purified isophthalic acid.

The Commission is investigating whether increased imports are causing serious injury to European producers. If confirmed, it may propose measures to protect them. Those measures must also be in the European Union’s interest. Their introduction requires support from a qualified majority of member states.

Provisional measures possible

The Commission may impose provisional measures if the conditions are met. In that case, definitive measures must follow within 200 days. A further deadline of nine months from the start of the investigation applies. The maximum period is eleven months.

The European Union already imposes anti-dumping duties on PET from China. Anti-subsidy measures apply to PET from India. Anti-dumping measures also apply to terephthalic acid from Korea and Mexico. For monoethylene glycol, anti-dumping measures apply to imports from Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Policy.trade.ec.europa.eu