The European Commission initiated an interim review of the existing anti-dumping measures on glass fiber imports from China on 18 December 2013, and a new anti-subsidy proceeding on 12 December 2013. According to GlassFibreEurope, it established that Chinese manufacturers dump glass fiber at predatory prices to seize EU market share, and receive illegal subsidies from the Chinese government. The European Commission notified parties of its intent to impose new anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures in early October 2014. The final proposal to impose total duties which are generally up to 25-30% on imports from Chinese producers was supported by EU Member States on 26 November 2014.
Strategic sector
“We welcome the decision by EU Member States to support the European Commission’s proposal to impose trade defence measures against Chinese glass fiber manufacturers,” commented Mauro Malanchini, president of GlassFibreEurope. “Unfair competition from China has caused considerable injury to European industry, with the loss of European factories and jobs in an important strategic sector. We hope the new measures will restore healthy competition in the EU glass fiber market for the benefit of producers and downstream users alike.”
The Commission Regulation EU 1379/2014, which was published on 23 December, is available here.