The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has initiated an investigation into alleged anti-dumping practices by US producers of Linear Low-Density (LLD) polyethylene, a critical plastic used extensively in various industries. Data reveals that the value of LLD polyethylene imports from the United States to the UK reached £243 million between 1 January and 31 December 2025, with an average price of $1,230 per tonne. This move follows an application by INEOS Olefins & Polymers, a major petrochemical producer in Scotland, which represents the only domestic industry affected by this investigation.
As the second most widely used plastic globally after polyethylene, LLD polyethylene underpins complex supply chains across sectors such as packaging, industrial processes, and healthcare. Within healthcare, its safety, flexibility, and durability make it an essential material for medical packaging, tubing, and various sterile applications. The TRA's investigation will assess whether US-origin LLD polyethylene is being sold in the UK at prices below its normal value and if this is causing material injury to INEOS Olefins & Polymers.
The TRA will examine dumping allegations for the period between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025. If found guilty, anti-dumping duties could be imposed on US LLD polyethylene imports, disadvantaging domestic manufacturers and potentially affecting prices faced by UK consumers. The process is expected to take up to 12 months, during which the TRA will gather evidence from various stakeholders, including UK businesses, importers of LLD polyethylene, and US producers.
Businesses impacted by this investigation are encouraged to register their interest through the TRA's public file by 16 July 2026. Late registrations may limit a business's ability to engage fully in the proceedings. This development underscores the UK Government's commitment to maintaining fair trading conditions post-Brexit, ensuring a level playing field for domestic industries like petrochemicals.
The implications of this investigation could extend beyond trade policies, influencing US-UK economic ties and the broader implications for public health infrastructure reliant on LLD polyethylene. Any recommended duties would aim to restore fair competition without unduly impacting UK consumers or other industries that rely on these imports.