Chinese ministry of commerce (Mofcom) has extended the duration of an antidumping probe into the imports of halogenated butyl rubber (HIIR) from Canada, Japan and India. Mofcom recently said it had extended the investigation period until 14 March 2026 given the "complexity of this case".

Launched in September 2024, the investigation was initially set to conclude in March this year. In August, Mofcom published its preliminary results, introducing antidumping duties on HIIR originated from Canada and Japan and terminating investigation into Indian imports due to 'negligible volume'.

In its August preliminary ruling Mofcom recommended duty rates of 26.2% for Arlanxeo Canada Ltd. and 40.5% for other Canadian suppliers, effective 14 Aug. Japan Butyl Corp. has been given a duty rate of 13.8% while other Japanese suppliers will face a 30.1% rate.

Halogenated butyl rubber is standard butyl rubber chemically modified by halogenation (with chlorine to make CIIR, or bromine to make BIIR). It is valued for air impermeability and heat/chemical resistance.

Major applications include airtight inner liners for tubeless tires, heat-resistant inner tubes, heat resistant hoses, conveyor belts as well as pharmaceutical stoppers and vibration damping pads.