Chinese exporters are confronting fresh trade barriers as Turkey and Ukraine have simultaneously launched anti-dumping investigations targeting Chinese products. These developments could significantly impact China's export volumes to these markets if unfavorable rulings are issued, potentially leading to higher tariff barriers and reduced profit margins for affected industries.
Turkey Initiates Sunset Review on Polyester Yarn
On January 29, 2026, Turkey's Ministry of Trade announced the commencement of a sunset review investigation (No. 2026/2) concerning polyester yarn imports (Turkish tariff code: 5402.33) originating from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This procedural review evaluates whether to extend existing anti-dumping measures rather than imposing new ones.
Turkey's trade defense actions against polyester yarn date back to 2007, with multiple adjustments to anti-dumping duties over the years. The most recent determination in 2021 maintained substantial tariffs ranging from $268 to $351 per ton for Chinese products. The current review's outcome will shape trade conditions for Chinese polyester yarn exports to Turkey through the coming years.
Interested parties have 37 days from the announcement date to submit questionnaires and supporting documentation. Chinese manufacturers and exporters must actively participate in the proceedings, providing comprehensive evidence to demonstrate either the absence of dumping practices or that such practices haven't caused material injury to Turkey's domestic industry.
Ukraine Targets Agricultural Irrigation Equipment
Coinciding with Turkey's action, Ukraine's Ministry of Economy announced parallel anti-dumping investigations against agricultural irrigation equipment (Ukrainian tariff codes: 8424 82 10 00 and 8424 82 90 90) imported from China, Turkey, and Arab countries. The investigation stems from a petition by Ukrainian domestic producers under Resolution No. AD-594/2026/441-01 issued by Ukraine's Interdepartmental International Trade Commission.
The procedural timeline requires parties to register within 30 days of the announcement and submit defense materials within 60 days. The compressed schedule demands rapid response coordination from affected enterprises. Official communications should be directed to Ukraine's Ministry of Economy at: 12/2 M. Grushevskogo St., Kyiv, 01008; Email: meconomy@me.gov.ua; Phone: +38 (044) 200-47-53.
Strategic Recommendations for Affected Enterprises
Chinese companies facing these trade challenges should consider the following strategic responses:
- Active legal participation: Engage specialized trade attorneys to prepare comprehensive responses to investigation questionnaires. Timely submission of evidentiary materials demonstrating fair pricing practices is critical to avoiding default judgments.
- Market diversification: Reduce dependency on single markets by expanding export destinations. Developing alternative markets can mitigate risks from concentrated trade defense actions.
- Competitiveness enhancement: Invest in product quality improvements and production efficiency to strengthen value propositions. Building long-term client relationships enhances negotiation leverage against trade barriers.
- Regulatory vigilance: Monitor international trade policy developments through industry associations and government channels to enable proactive strategy adjustments.
As global trade dynamics grow increasingly complex, maintaining adaptive strategies will be essential for Chinese exporters to navigate evolving protectionist measures while sustaining international market presence.