7/24/2009
EU Stainless Producers Allege Dumping from India and Malaysia
Investigation announcement likely mid August

EUROFER, the European steel makers association, has announced in its July newsletter that the European Industrial Fastener Institute (EIFI) lodged a complaint with the European Commission on 30 June alleging dumping of stainless steel fasteners by India and Malaysia. Under EU antidumping regulations the Commission has 45 days to publish a decision whether or not to instigate an investigation.

In November 2005 the European Union applied antidumping tariffs on imports of threaded stainless fasteners from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam – tariffs range from 7.7% to 27.4% depending on country and individual producer.

“Since 2006 imports from (India and Malaysia) have increased dramatically and literally flooded the EU market in 2008, causing considerable injury to the European industries concerned,” EUROFER claims.

Fastener+Fixing Magazine understands the new complaint has been lodged on behalf of a small number of major Italian producers, which nevertheless represent well in excess of the 25% of EU output threshold required for a valid complaint. EUROFER has pledged its support in the newsletter. While actual figures are not quoted, Eurofer claims “the complainants have strong indications that exports from India and Malaysia are dumped and subsidised.”

Based on the normal EU timescales, says Fastener+Fixing editor Phil Matten, the complaint should currently be under consideration by member states. Given the thorough preparation of previous EIFI complaints, the probability of an investigation appears high.

Should one be initiated, it can be expected to cover a similar range to that of the existing stainless steel anti dumping measures – tariff codes 7318 12 10, 7318 14 10, 7318 15 30, 7318 15 51, 7318 15 61 and 7318 15 70. These codes include wood screws, self tapping screws, socket screws and hexagon bolts and screws as well as other screws and bolts with various recesses and heads.

The 2005 anti dumping regulation are due to terminate in November 2010. The recent EIFI initiative, particularly if rewarded with an investigation, suggests the European producers will be active in seeking an extension of the existing tariffs when the Commission gives notice of their impending termination next year. © Fastener+Fixing Magazine and GlobalFastenerNews.com

Related Stories:

• EU Approves 24% Duty on Chinese Wire Rod

Related Links:

• European Industrial Fastener Institute

• EUROFER