The European Federation of Ceramic Table- and Ornamentalware (FEPF) welcomes today's publication by the European Commission of a Notice of Initiation of an expiry review of the anti-dumping measures on imports of ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China. FEPF submitted compelling evidence that anti-dumping duties should be renewed for another period of five years in order to preserve the employment and competitiveness of the Union tableware and kitchenware industry.
With growing structural overcapacities in Chinese production of ceramic tableware and kitchenware, there remains a palpable threat of recurrence of injurious dumping, should the measures not be renewed. This is evidenced by the fact that the excess capacity in Chinese ceramic tableware and kitchenware production represents 2.8 times the total Union consumption. FEPF also emphasises that the Union is an important export market for China. In addition, Chinese exports have been subject to various trade defence measures imposed by other third countries, which increases the likelihood that exports to the Union will skyrocket at heavily dumped and injurious prices, should the current anti-dumping measures be allowed to lapse. In accordance with Article 11.2 of the EU Basic Anti-Dumping Regulation ((EU) 2016/1036), the existing anti-dumping duties will remain in force pending the outcome of the expiry review.
FEPF has demonstrated to the European Commission that unfair and injurious dumping practices from China still prevail and will significantly increase if anti-dumping duties are not renewed for another period of five years. China's aggressive acquisition of Union market share will cause further and irreparable damage to the ceramic tableware and kitchenware industry in the Union. It is, therefore, essential for the Union to establish a level-playing field in full respect of international trade laws and to send a strong signal to European manufacturers and exporters alike that they will be able to compete fairly on global markets.