Cancellation of Export Tax Rebates for Polyether: Where Should China Enterprises Go?

The recent policy adjustment has directly removed a significant cost buffer for polyether exports. Meanwhile, the external market environment is becoming increasingly complex. Trade barriers in major global markets are continuously being raised, and rules are becoming more fragmented. For example, the tariff policies of the U.S. market on Chinese products are complex and variable, potentially leading to extremely high tariffs; countries like India and Brazil frequently use anti-dumping measures. This dual internal and external change means that the traditional price competitiveness foundation of Chinese polyether companies has been shaken, and they are facing profound "cost restructuring."

The global polyether supply chain is undergoing a restructuring. High energy costs and competitive pressures are forcing some outdated capacities in Europe to exit the market. This provides an opportunity for Chinese polyether to fill the market gap. However, the way to seize these opportunities has changed. Companies must navigate the "maze of rules" constituted by differential tariffs, anti-dumping investigations, and rules of origin. Simple price wars are no longer sustainable; the resilience of the supply chain, compliance capabilities, and diversified market layouts have become crucial. At the same time, this may also signal another round of industry reshuffling.

Short-term pain is inevitable, but in the long run, this transformation will force the industry to undergo a value reconstruction. The survival logic of enterprises must change.

Layout restructuring to enhance resilience: Consider expanding capacity or downstream cooperation in regions such as Southeast Asia to be closer to the market, optimize the supply chain, and respond to trade barriers.

Competition Upgrade, Value Creation: The focus of competition should shift from price to product differentiation and technical services. Developing specialty polyethers for areas such as new energy vehicles and high-end medical fields is key to enhancing added value.

Management evolution, mastering complexity: It is essential to establish a professional international trade compliance system to address the dynamically changing global rules and transform compliance capabilities into a new competitive threshold.