What Are the New Duties?

Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) has officially announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin imports originating from China and Indonesia. These duties range between 2.29% and 11.74% for Chinese exporters and a significantly higher 37.44% for Indonesian suppliers.  Bio-Circular Caprolactam

The new tariff structure comes after a formal investigation into unfair trade practices, revealing that imported PET was being sold below its normal value, causing serious harm to local manufacturers.

Background: Why the Investigation Was Launched

The anti-dumping investigation was initiated on August 9, 2024, in response to petitions from domestic PET producers who were experiencing declining margins and market share due to low-cost foreign competition.

MITI’s investigation concluded that PET resin products from China and Indonesia were being “imported into Malaysia at a lower price than the selling price in the alleged countries,” thereby causing material injury to the local industry. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Duration of the Measures

The anti-dumping duties will be in force for a five-year period, running from May 7, 2025 until May 6, 2030. During this period, all PET imports from the affected countries will be taxed accordingly at their respective rates.

This time frame allows the domestic PET industry to recover, adjust pricing structures, and regain a competitive position in the Malaysian market.

What Is Anti-Dumping Anyway?

Anti-dumping duties are a form of trade remedy used by governments to counteract unfair pricing practices by foreign exporters. When a product is exported at a price lower than its “normal value” in the country of origin, it is considered “dumped.”

Such practices can severely distort local markets, undercutting domestic manufacturers and sometimes forcing them out of business. Anti-dumping duties are intended to restore a level playing field. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Global Context: Not Just Malaysia

This isn’t the first time PET resin from China has faced trade barriers. In April 2024, the European Union (EU) imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 6.6% to 24.2% on PET imports from China.

The EU is also currently reviewing PET imports from Vietnam for potential anti-dumping measures, indicating a broader global concern over Asian PET pricing strategies and trade competitiveness.

The Impact on Malaysia’s Domestic Industry

Malaysia’s PET industry includes several key players producing PET resin for packaging, textile fibers, and bottle manufacturing. These manufacturers had raised alarms over unsustainable price undercutting, which was leading to reduced revenues, layoffs, and capacity underutilization.

With the new duties in place, local producers are expected to regain some pricing power and competitiveness, potentially encouraging reinvestment and job creation within the domestic sector. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

What This Means for Importers

Malaysian businesses that rely on imported PET—especially those in packaging, bottling, and manufacturing—will now face higher input costs. Companies will need to adjust procurement strategies and may begin to source from alternative suppliers or shift toward domestic procurement.

Importers will also need to ensure proper documentation and compliance with the new customs valuation and tax procedures to avoid penalties.

Long-Term Implications

In the long term, these anti-dumping measures may contribute to:

• Protection of domestic industries from unfair competition
• Stabilization of jobs within the local PET production sector
• Potential investments in PET manufacturing technology and capacity in Malaysia Bio-Circular Caprolactam
• Higher end-product prices for businesses and consumers relying on PET-based goods

However, policymakers will need to monitor market responses and ensure that protective measures do not inadvertently create inflationary pressures or supply bottlenecks.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Importers must review the full documentation from MITI to ensure they understand:

• The applicable HS codes for PET products
• The specific exporter or manufacturer tariff rates
• The point of customs valuation and declaration
• The duration and renewal terms of the duties

It is highly recommended to work with customs brokers, trade lawyers, or compliance specialists to avoid any missteps.

Could These Duties Be Challenged?

Yes. Countries whose exporters are affected by the duties—particularly China and Indonesia—may choose to challenge Malaysia’s decision through the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism or through bilateral trade discussions. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

However, unless reversed or modified, the duties will remain in effect as legislated.

Final Thoughts

Malaysia’s decisive action highlights the increasing trend of using trade defense instruments to preserve economic stability and industrial sovereignty. For companies operating in the global supply chain, this reinforces the importance of vigilant compliance, flexible sourcing, and strategic planning.

With similar duties in place in the EU and more under review globally, the PET trade landscape is becoming more complex. Staying informed and proactive is now essential for survival in this evolving market. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Why RMC 2025 Matters More Than Ever

Organised by the nova-Institute, RMC 2025 serves as a critical platform for companies, policymakers, researchers, and investors seeking to replace fossil carbon in chemicals and plastics. With climate imperatives intensifying and legislation tightening, the transition to renewable carbon sources like biomass, captured CO₂, and advanced recycling has become not just a goal, but a necessity. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Following the success of the 2024 edition, which hosted nearly 500 participants from 32 countries, RMC 2025 is projected to surpass that milestone with over 500 international attendees. Impressively, 90% of the audience represents the industrial sector, highlighting RMC’s unique status as an event where commercial innovation and sustainability intersect.

What to Expect: Key Stats & Sessions

• 75 presentations on materials, markets, and innovations
• 20 interactive panel discussions
•  12 hands-on workshops addressing applied solutions Bio-Circular Caprolactam
•  “Renewable Material of the Year 2025” Award – with live voting!

The multi-track format offers a deep dive across the full value chain—from feedstock to finished product—delivering both strategic insights and technical depth.

Spotlight: Renewable Material of the Year Award

A signature moment at RMC 2025 is the Renewable Material of the Year competition. Six finalists, each showcasing cutting-edge renewable innovations, will present live to the audience. The winner will be chosen by attendee vote, spotlighting real-world impact and cross-sector innovation.

Expect to see breakthroughs in bio-based polymers, circular technologies, and carbon-smart chemistry.

Conference Themes: 5 Pillars Guiding the Transition

RMC 2025 is structured around five thematic tracks, each designed to address a major challenge in the transition toward a renewable carbon economy. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

1. Defossilising the Chemical Industry

Today, over 90% of the carbon used in chemicals and plastics originates from fossil sources. This track tackles that dependency head-on. With 14 expert presentations, attendees will explore:

•  Alternative carbon feedstocks (biomass, captured CO₂, recycled content)
•  Electric crackers & non-cracker routes (via methanol/ethanol)
•  Biotech and lignocellulosic biorefineries as game-changers

2. Bio-Based Fine Chemicals

Valued at $180 billion globally, the fine chemicals market is embracing bio-based innovation faster than ever. This track (6 presentations) will focus on:

• Biocatalysis and white biotechnology
• Sustainable compounds in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food
• High-purity, high-performance bio-alternatives Bio-Circular Caprolactam

3. Fossil-Free Plastics: Scaling New Materials

With 95% of all plastics still fossil-derived, this track—featuring 22 sessions—takes on one of the most pressing challenges:

• Bio-based, CO₂-based, and recycled plastics for packaging, textiles, and more
• Applications in automotive and high-performance sectors
• Innovations by the award finalists

4. Policy, Investment & Enabling Frameworks

No transition is possible without the right enablers. RMC’s fourth pillar includes 11 talks and multiple panels exploring:

• Regulatory frameworks (e.g. European Green Deal, sustainable carbon cycles)
• Investment drivers and public-private cooperation
• Roadmaps for industrial adoption of renewable materials Bio-Circular Caprolactam

5. Biodegradation: Science, Policy & Practice

Biodegradable plastics are still widely misunderstood. RMC 2025 will bring clarity with 11 presentations and a workshop focusing on:

• Scientific advances in biodegradability and compostability
• New rules like the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
• Realistic use cases and limitations of biodegradable materials

A Global Confluence of Leaders & Innovators

RMC 2025 isn’t just a European event—it’s a global convergence of startups, multinationals, policy leaders, and academic pioneers. Expect attendees and speakers from North America, Asia, South America, and across Europe.

This international mix fosters unique collaborations, market expansion strategies, and access to new ideas and funding pathways. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Practical Info: When,Where, How

• Location: Rhein-Sieg-Halle, Siegburg (near Cologne/Bonn), Germany
• Dates: September 22–24, 2025
• Website: renewable-materials.eu

Siegburg offers excellent transport links, with easy access from Cologne, Bonn, and Frankfurt. On-site amenities and sustainable accommodations make the event both accessible and climate-conscious.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re a materials scientist, climate policymaker, corporate sustainability officer, or venture investor, RMC 2025 offers insights that can shape your strategy for the coming decade. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Don’t miss your chance to engage with the latest in decarbonisation, innovation, and material science—all under one roof, with a future-forward agenda and a globally connected audience.

A Brighter Future for High-Voltage Safety in EVs

As the electric vehicle (EV) market surges, the demand for safer, more efficient materials in high-voltage components is growing rapidly. Recognizing this need, Syensqo has introduced a standout solution: a pre-colored orange grade of Amodel® PPA (polyphthalamide) specifically engineered for electric mobility applications.

This vivid orange thermoplastic not only enhances visibility for live components but also streamlines the manufacturing process — an innovation that answers both safety concerns and production efficiency. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Why Orange? The Safety Code of Color in Electrical Engineering

In electrical systems, color is more than aesthetic — it’s a communication tool. The color orange is internationally recognized to signal high-voltage, live components. In EV architecture, where voltages can exceed 400V or even 800V, visual warnings are critical for safety.

For engineers and technicians, orange signifies “handle with care,” ensuring that during inspections, assembly, or repairs, there’s no guesswork involved. This is especially vital in confined or densely packed EV battery systems where quick identification of live circuits can prevent fatal mistakes.

Introducing Amodel® PPA HFFR-4133 Orange (OR)

Syensqo’s new offering — Amodel® PPA HFFR-4133 Orange (OR) — is a flame-retardant, high-performance aromatic polyamide, tailor-made for high-voltage EV components such as:

• Connectors  Bio-Circular Caprolactam
• Busbars (distribution bars)
• Terminal blocks
• Battery housing interfaces

Designed to meet stringent automotive safety norms, this grade is self-extinguishing with a UL 94 V-0 rating, making it ideal for components exposed to potential electrical arcs or heat spikes.

Thermal Stability and Color Retention Under Pressure

One of the key differentiators of this orange Amodel® PPA is its exceptional color stability under heat. Even in environments with sustained high temperatures — a common scenario in EV engine bays — the material retains its bold orange hue.

This is crucial not only for aesthetics but for long-term functional safety. According to Syensqo, the resin complies with major global standards, including:

• ISO 6469-3 – Safety specifications for electric vehicles
• IEC 60664 – Insulation coordination for electrical equipment
• UL specifications related to polymer flammability and performance

Manufacturing Made Easier: No More In-Machine Pigmentation

Traditionally, achieving bright, consistent color in technical plastics required in-machine pigmentation — a process that can lead to variability in color, added waste, and increased cycle times.  Bio-Circular Caprolactam

By offering a resin pre-colored in orange, Syensqo removes that step altogether. This leads to:

• Improved process consistency
• Reduced contamination risks
• Fewer handling errors
• Streamlined logistics and supply chain

“This new version, in addition to ensuring greater safety, also offers a resin already pre-colored in orange, eliminating the need for pigmentation on the machine and simplifying the entire production process,” explains Deedee Smith, Head of Transportation Marketing at Syensqo.

Complementary Solutions in Syensqo’s EV Material Portfolio

The orange Amodel® PPA joins a family of advanced thermoplastics by Syensqo, all geared toward addressing the complex challenges of e-mobility. Other standout materials include:

Xencor® LFT XTreme PPA LGF-1045 ECHO BP

This long glass fiber-reinforced grade is formulated for thermal runaway protection — a key requirement for battery safety. It delivers structural integrity and heat resistance during critical failure events. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Amodel® PPA AE-8945 HFFR

Specifically engineered for use in high-voltage pyrotechnic fuses, this grade offers flame retardancy and stability under explosive conditions — a vital component in EV crash safety systems.

Aligning with the Future of Safer, Greener Mobility

With regulations tightening globally around electric vehicle safety and recyclability, materials that offer both compliance and performance are becoming essential. Syensqo’s color-stable, halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) PPAs contribute to:

• Reducing reliance on heavy metal-based pigments
• Lowering environmental impact
• Improving vehicle repairability and end-of-life disassembly

These efforts support the transition to circular, low-emission vehicle platforms — a core focus across the automotive industry. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Use Cases: From Charging Infrastructure to Onboard Electronics

Beyond just under-the-hood components, the orange Amodel® PPA is well-suited for parts in charging stations, onboard chargers, and even high-voltage distribution panels. Its color fidelity and flame-retardant properties make it a strong candidate for:

• EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
• DC fast-charging connectors
• Battery disconnection units
• Power electronics housing

With the rise of 800V vehicle platforms, where current and thermal management are more intense, the need for durable, visually distinct, and heat-resistant polymers has never been more urgent. Bio-Circular Caprolactam

Technical Highlights at a Glance

Conclusion: A Colorful Step Toward a Safer EV Era

Syensqo’s bright orange Amodel® PPA isn’t just a colorful innovation — it’s a solution that reinforces safety, simplifies production, and supports global regulatory trends. As electric vehicles continue to evolve, materials like these will play a vital role in making the transition smoother, safer, and more sustainable.

By embedding visual cues directly into the polymer and aligning with performance standards, Syensqo is lighting the path — quite literally — toward a brighter future for electric mobility. Bio-Circular Caprolactam