Today, the European Commission announced it will not prolong the 9-month suspension of definitive anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium flat-rolled products. European Aluminium, the industry association representing the aluminium value chain in Europe, welcomes the long-overdue step. Furthermore the association calls for Europe’s push towards strategic autonomy in aluminium. Following last year’s anti-dumping investigation conducted by the European Commission, the duties on Chinese aluminium flat-rolled products are set at 14% to 25%. By doing so the procedure will raise the dumped prices to market conformity and will apply as of 12 July 2022.
“We are relieved that our producers finally are protected against the unfair competition from dumped Chinese flat-rolled products. We welcome exporters as long as they play fair. But Chinese exporters refuse to adhere to global trade rules. They have been dumping high-carbon and underpriced goods on our market for years. This had devastating economic consequences for European aluminium producers and even worse consequences for the fight against global climate change,” comments Paul Voss, Director General of European Aluminium.
Chinas aluminium industry holds 60% global market share
China’s excessive state subsidies have played a major role in building China’s aluminium industry. It holds a 60% global market share. They continue to facilitate Chinese expansions despite global energy and supply challenges. European Aluminium calls on policy makers to boost Europe’s defence against unfair trade. The association requests an implementation of a robust industrial strategy that prioritises value chains based on their contribution to the European Green Deal.
“If the recent crises have taught us anything, it’s that Europe must limit its reliance on imports from non-market economies. It has to strengthen its strategic autonomy in the raw materials sector. This is especially important for aluminium because it’s a key component in virtually all clean energy technologies. These are needed to accelerate the green transition and end Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels,” concludes Voss.
