Brazil proposes antidumping duties on US, Canadian PE imports

Brazil’s Secretariat of Foreign Commerce has recommended preliminary antidumping duties on polyethylene (PE) imports from the US and Canada, according to a resolution published in the Official Gazette on August 21. The suggested duties are $199.04/mt for US shipments and $238.49/mt for Canadian products.

The measure must be voted on by the Chamber of Foreign Trade (CAMEX), which is scheduled to meet on August 28. If approved, the duties could be applied for up to six months while a final decision is pending. A ruling on permanent antidumping measures has been postponed to February 2, 2026, extending the ongoing investigation to 18 months, as per media reports.

The investigation began in November 2024 after local petrochemical giant Braskem filed a complaint alleging dumping practices. The Secretariat concluded that imports from North America were causing harm to Brazil’s domestic industry.

The US supplied 70 per cent of Brazil’s PE imports in January–July 2025, while Canada accounted for 5 per cent. Imports in July rose atypically but overall were down 11 per cent year-on-year (YoY).

Market reaction was cautious. Despite steady demand, participants reported hesitation in buying US PE amid the duty uncertainty. On August 20, Platts assessed high-density blowmoulding grade at $890/mt CFR Brazil, down $15/mt on the week, while linear low-density grade fell $20/mt to $965/mt, the reports added.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)