New antidumping investigation on lactic acid and its salts (NCM 2918.11.00)
On June 29, 2026, SECEX/MDIC Circular No. 48/2026 initiated an antidumping investigation to determine the existence of dumping in exports of lactic acid and its salts from China to Brazil, and the resulting injury to the domestic industry.
The petition requesting the initiation of the investigation was filed by Corbion Produtos Renováveis Ltda., which accounted for the entirety of Brazilian domestic production of the product concerned during the injury investigation period.
Lactic acid is widely used across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, cleaning products, and bioplastics industries. It functions as a natural preservative, pH regulator, and flavor enhancer in fermented foods; serves as a key raw material for the production of biodegradable plastics (PLA); is used in cosmetic formulations for skin hydration and exfoliation; is incorporated into cleaning products for its antibacterial and descaling properties; and is employed in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, surgical sutures, as well as in industrial applications such as leather processing and solvent production.
The analysis of dumping covered the period from July 2024 to June 2025, while the injury examination covered the period from July 2020 to June 2025. It was determined that market economy conditions do not prevail in China"s lactic acid sector. Accordingly, normal value was established on the basis of the price of the like product in a market economy third country, with the Netherlands selected as the surrogate country. For purposes of the dumping margin calculation, normal value was established at a level equivalent to FOB, and compared with the export price on an FOB basis.
The participation of interested parties is essential and may contribute to the determination of more favorable individual dumping margins. The deadline for the registration of additional interested parties in the investigation is July 20, 2026 (Monday), pursuant to Article 45, Paragraph 3 of the Brazilian Antidumping Decree.
