EU PVC Investigation Puts Major Supply Routes Under Review

The European Union has opened a new anti-dumping investigation into PVC imports from China, South Korea, Mexico and Taiwan, placing another important source of imported resin under scrutiny.

These four origins increased their presence in the EU market after anti-dumping measures reduced shipments from the US and Egypt. At the same time, European producers have faced strong competition from Asian-origin material, with some suppliers reportedly offering substantial spot discounts.

If the investigation eventually results in anti-dumping duties, European producers could gain additional room to compete in the domestic market. Exporters may then need to redirect cargoes to other destinations, while European buyers could face changes in the cost and availability of imported PVC.

The European Commission launched the investigation on September 23, 2026, following a complaint from the PVC Trade Committee. The case covers specified suspension and mass-polymerised PVC in pure form under TARIC codes 3904 10 00 21 and 3904 10 00 81. Emulsion PVC is excluded.

The investigation is examining allegations of dumping and injury. No duties have been imposed on the four origins under this case so far.

The Commission also plans to register imports under a separate regulation that has not yet taken effect. If definitive duties are eventually introduced, they could potentially apply retrospectively to imports registered under that regulation.

EU PVC Imports Recover as Supply Sources Shift

The earlier EU measures against US and Egyptian S-PVC significantly changed the supplier structure. Imports from those origins declined, while alternative suppliers expanded their presence.

2022

Total EU27 PVC imports: +9%

US: +205%

Egypt: +74%

Asian and Mexico origins: Minimal volumes and market share

Supplier trend: US and Egypt gained market share before the investigation

2023

Total EU27 PVC imports: +25%

US: +101%

Egypt: +26%

Asian and Mexico origins: Minimal volumes and market share

US and Egypt share: 48%

China, South Korea, Taiwan and Mexico share: 38%

2024

Total EU27 PVC imports: -38%

US: -53%

Egypt: -43%

Asian and Mexico origins: Minimal volumes and market share

Supplier trend: US and Egypt declined after provisional duties began in July

2025

Total EU27 PVC imports: +20%

US: -88%

Egypt: -100%

China: Approximately 12 times higher

South Korea: Approximately 4 times higher

Taiwan: Approximately 5 times higher

Mexico: +16%

Four investigated origins: 78% of EU imports

H1 2026

Total EU27 PVC imports: +68%

US: +13% from a sharply reduced base

Egypt: Remained at zero

South Korea: +243%

Taiwan: +215%

China: +187%

Four investigated origins: 84% of EU imports

The EU introduced definitive anti-dumping duties on S-PVC from the US and Egypt in January 2025, following provisional measures implemented in July 2024.

The trade data indicate that these measures had a lasting effect on US and Egyptian shipments. However, total EU imports subsequently recovered as other suppliers increased their deliveries.

Asian PVC has therefore gained greater importance in the European market despite logistical challenges. This suggests that earlier trade measures redirected import competition toward other origins rather than eliminating it.

The EU remains a net exporter of PVC, meaning higher imports do not necessarily indicate a shortage of domestic resin. However, the growing share of overseas suppliers has increased competitive pressure on European producers already dealing with high production costs.

European PVC Industry Undergoing Restructuring

The investigation comes as several European PVC producers are restructuring their operations and financial positions.

Earlier production closures at Spolana in Czechia and Fortischem in Slovakia reduced regional PVC capacity. Vynova Belgium remains under judicial reorganisation, while Vynova is preparing to restart S-PVC production at Beek following the shutdown of output in late 2025.

Westlake acquired Vynova's PVC and VCM site in Wilhelmshaven in June. Kem One has agreed in principle to a recapitalisation and significant debt reduction, while INEOS Inovyn is reviewing its asset portfolio and has announced the closure of two chemical units at Rheinberg, where its PVC operations continue.

Weak demand remains another challenge for producers. PVC demand is closely linked to pipes, profiles and other construction-related products, making European construction activity an important market factor.

EU construction output declined 1.8% year on year in July 2026, while building construction fell 5.6%, according to Eurostat.

This environment could limit producers' ability to recover margins even if import competition declines.

Potential duties could reduce pressure from imported PVC and provide some support to European producers during their restructuring efforts. However, weak construction demand could still restrict their ability to raise prices, while converters may face higher costs if imported material becomes more expensive.

Exporters Have Other Markets, but Barriers Are Growing

Exporters affected by the EU investigation could look toward other destinations, although several markets are already applying or considering trade measures.

The UK is investigating S-PVC imports from China, South Korea and Mexico and has registered imports since August, but has not imposed duties.

Pakistan maintains duties on Chinese, South Korean and Taiwanese S-PVC, while Brazil renewed a 21.6% duty on Chinese S-PVC in August. South Korea is also conducting an investigation into Chinese S-PVC.

India remains another potential destination. The country decided not to impose the S-PVC anti-dumping duties recommended in 2025, but introduced a six-month restriction on low-priced S-PVC imports in July 2026.

A separate countervailing investigation concerning Chinese S-PVC is also continuing in India. Since these measures affect different origins in different ways, they could influence where displaced cargoes are ultimately directed.

The EU investigation does not currently mean that the four origins have been excluded from the European market. However, following earlier measures against US and Egyptian suppliers, the latest case covers countries responsible for a substantial share of EU PVC imports.

The outcome could therefore influence both the competitive position of European producers and the sourcing options available to PVC buyers.

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