The European Commission has initiated a new anti-dumping investigation into imports of tin-coated steel products from China, aiming to restore fair competition for EU producers. The HS codes of the investigated products are 7210701015, 7210708020, 7210708092, 7210908020, 7212402010, 7212408012, 7212408030, 7212408080, and 7212408085. The European Steel Association (EUROFER) has welcomed this initiative.
Chinese factories have been flooding the EU market with tin-coated steel products at dumping prices for at least four years, putting considerable pressure on EU producers, stated Axel Eggert, Director General of EUROFER. This influx has severely impacted EU producers, leading to reductions in production volumes, capacity utilization, and market share. Between 2021 and 2023, the EU industry lost a quarter of its sales volume, while the market share of Chinese imports doubled.
Eggert emphasized that the investigation is crucial for preserving jobs in the EU’s tin-coated steel industry and ensuring a stable supply chain. He urged the Commission to take appropriate measures following the investigation.
The European Commission’s decision to launch this investigation reflects its commitment to protecting the European industry from unfair trade practices and supporting local producers affected by the dumping-priced imports of tin-coated steel products. Additionally, the investigation aims to identify and correct market imbalances caused by unfair competition, thus contributing to the long-term stability and sustainability of the European steel sector.
The European Steel Association and other industry stakeholders have repeatedly highlighted the need for swift and effective intervention to counter the negative impact of dumping-priced imports on the EU industry. The anti-dumping investigation initiated by the European Commission is an important step in this direction, demonstrating the resolve to act in the interest of European producers and the overall European economy.
Through these measures, the EU reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a fair and competitive business environment while protecting the economic and social interests of the European community. Implementing appropriate measures following the investigation will be crucial for restoring fair competition conditions and ensuring a sustainable future for the tin-coated steel industry in Europe.