Brussels has launched further investigations against Chinese exporters

Brussels has launched further investigations against Chinese exporters

The European Union has launched two separate investigations into Chinese exports. It thus responded to a request from European producers. In the first case, Brussels began investigating the sale of Chinese steel screws on the European market at allegedly too low prices, and in the second, possible illegal state subsidies to fiber optic manufacturers. The European Union has already opened 23 investigations against Chinese companies on suspicions of possible dumping or state subsidies. Thus, Brussels conducts about half of the total number of investigations into dumping or illegal subsidies against China. The investigation of possible dumping of imports of steel screws from China was initiated by the EC following a complaint from the European Institute of Industrial Fasteners (EIFI). According to the institute, Chinese exporters have increased their exports to the European Union, strengthened their market share and damaged European producers due to extremely low prices. Brussels plans to close the investigation within 13 months, but after seven months it could take interim measures against Chinese companies. In the latter case, the EU will verify that Chinese fiber exporters do not benefit from unfair subsidies. A complaint in this case was lodged by Europacable. According to him, these practices have increased imports of Chinese products into the European market and, moreover, has been exacerbated by the fact that several countries have in the meantime imposed import duties on Chinese companies. According to Europacable, the United States, Turkey, India and Mexico have done so. In this case, the European Commission should complete the investigation within 12 months, but may take interim measures against Chinese companies within nine months.