,"Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Finance announced the start of a joint investigation into AGC Co., Ltd.’s application (submitted 19 June 2025) seeking an extension of the current unfair tariff period on dispotassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) originating from Korea. The chemical, widely used in noodles (kansui), detergents, and glass manufacturing, is currently subject to a 30.8% unfair low-price tariff imposed from 24 June 2021 to 23 June 2026. The investigation, to be completed within one year, will gather evidence from stakeholders and conduct fact-finding surveys of both Korean and Japanese companies. The government will assess whether unfairly priced imports continue to cause or threaten substantial injury to Japanese industry, and based on the findings, decide whether to extend the tariff period beyond 2026."
Consumer News Region