China Plastic Tariffs: Beijing Slaps Up to 74.9% Duties on US, EU, Japan, and Taiwan

China just reignited trade tensions. On May 18, 2025, the country imposed anti-dumping duties on polyoxymethylene (POM) plastics, a crucial material used in auto and electronic manufacturing.

The biggest shock? The new China plastic tariffs hit the U.S. the hardest.

• United States: 74.9%

• European Union: 34.5%

• Japan: 35.5%

• Taiwan: 32.6%

What Is POM Plastic and Why It Matters

POM plastic, also known as polyoxymethylene, is a high-performance plastic used in cars, electronics, and industrial components. The newly imposed China plastic tariffs could disrupt global supply chains and spike production costs for international manufacturers.

Is This the Return of the US-China Trade War?

A 90-day pause in trade tensions clearly didn’t work. With no diplomatic resolution, China is flexing its trade muscles.

The China plastic tariffs reflect a broader pushback against what Beijing claims are unfair trade practices. Experts say this could trigger a new round of retaliatory tariffs from the West.

What’s Next?

The U.S. and its allies will likely respond — either through trade negotiations or countermeasures. For now, the China plastic tariffs are a clear sign: the global trade war is far from over.