Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (RYAM) and the United Steelworkers (USW) have filed petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission seeking relief from alleged unfair trade practices involving high-purity dissolving pulp (HPDP) imports from Brazil and Norway.
The petitions allege that manufacturers from both countries are selling HPDP in the U.S. at prices below fair market value, and in Brazil’s case, benefiting from government subsidies. Estimated dumping margins reach up to 168% for Brazil and 226% for Norway, with 30 Brazilian subsidy programs identified.
RYAM CEO De Lyle Bloomquist said the action aims to protect the company’s operations and jobs at its Jesup, Georgia, and Fernandina Beach, Florida plants. The USW, representing workers at these facilities, warned that unfair imports have contributed to job losses in the sector, citing closures such as Georgia-Pacific’s Foley Cellulose Plant in Perry, Florida.
HPDP is used in applications ranging from filtration and bioplastics to textiles, construction materials, food, and pharmaceuticals. U.S. producers say low-priced imports have eroded domestic prices and market share, threatening the industry’s viability.
The USDOC will examine whether dumping and subsidies are occurring, while the USITC will determine if the domestic industry has suffered material injury. A preliminary USITC ruling is expected within 45 days, with the Commerce Department’s findings to follow later this year.
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. is a global producer of cellulose-based technologies with operations in the U.S., Canada, and France. Its products serve uses in filters, food, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and biomaterials. In 2024, RYAM generated $1.6 billion in revenue.
