US launches duties probe into Chinese rubber chemical CBS imports

Washington, DC – The US Department of Commerce has initiated an investigation into the alleged subsidised imports of rubber chemical N-Cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2-Sulfenamide (CBS) from China following a petition filed by Lanxess Corp.

In a 2 June Federal Register notice, Commerce said the petition was submitted 7 May by Lanxess, which produces CBS in the US, and was accompanied by a separate petition seeking anti-dumping duties on imports of the rubber chemical.

The department said the petitioner alleged that the Chinese government is providing subsidies to producers of CBS and that the imports are “materially injuring, or threatening material injury to,” the US industry.

Commerce said it found that the petition was filed on behalf of the domestic industry and that Lanxess had demonstrated sufficient industry support for the investigation.

The period under investigation covers 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2025.

CBS is a rubber vulcanisation accelerator used in the manufacture of tires and other rubber products.

Commerce has also opened a consultation period on the scope of the investigation, with initial comments due by 16 June and rebuttal comments by 26 June.