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Europe glass fibre sector hails measures on China imports

03 Jan '15

2 min read

The European glass fibre industry has hailed the new EU trade defence measures against illegal subsidies and dumping by state-backed Chinese glass fibre manufacturers and exporters.

Mauro Malanchini, president of GlassFibreEurope said "Unfair competition from China has caused considerable injury to European industry, with the loss of jobs in an important strategic sector.”

“We hope the new measures will restore healthy competition in the EU glass fibre market for the benefit of producers and downstream users alike,” he added.

Glass fibre is a strategic sector for Europe’s future because new materials made with it are stronger and lighter than traditional materials like steel, aluminum and wood.

GlassFibreEurope represents the interests of European glass fibre manufacturers and their 5,000 employees.

The European Commission initiated an interim review of the existing anti-dumping measures on glass fibre imports from China on December 18, 2013.

After a thorough investigation, the European Commission established that Chinese manufacturers dump glass fibre at predatory prices to seize EU market share, and receive illegal subsidies from the Chinese government.

Based on its findings, 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 per cent on imports from Chinese producers was supported by EU Member States on November 26, 2014.

“The new measures will not have a material effect on costs for European downstream industries, as glass fibre accounts for only a tiny proportion of final customer prices,” said a statement from GlassFibreEurope.

Axel Jorns, secretary general at GlassFibreEurope said, “European downstream industries need a local, innovative and viable glass fibre industry to compete internationally.

“The new EU measures will help avoid a situation where industries like the automotive and renewable sectors would become increasingly dependent on Chinese state-controlled glass fibre supply,” he observed. (AR)

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