The trade group GlassFibreEurope has backed new European Union (EU) trade measures calling for additional duties of up to 30 percent on glass fiber imports from China.
A one-year investigation by the EU supported GlassFibreEurope's claim that Chinese firms were dumping fiberglass on the European market, and receiving illegal subsidies by the Chinese government, the group said in a Dec. 23 news release.
“Unfair competition from China has caused considerable injury to European industry, with the loss of European factories and jobs in an important strategic sector,” The Brussels-based trade group said. “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 new duties will not have a big impact on consumer costs, since fiberglass accounts for only a small portion of final prices, the group said. However, it will provide the support the regional manufacturing base needs to ensure it remains healthy.
“European downstream industries need a local, innovative and viable glass fiber industry to compete internationally,” said GlassFibreEurope Secretary-General Axel Jorns in a statement. “The new EU measures will help avoid a situation where important European industries like the automotive and renewable sectors would become increasingly dependent on Chinese State-controlled glass fiber supply.”