China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) voiced regret on Friday over
anti-dumping applications against Chinese steel products by the
Eurofer (European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries), and
hoped the European Commission would restrain to adopt anti-dumping
measures.
The Eurofer filed applications against China's hot-dipping
galvanized steel sheet and cold rolled stainless steel sheet and
strip on Monday, and it will also apply for anti-dumping measures
against China's wire rod and thick steel plate in weeks.
A spokesman of the ministry said China's steel exports, though
increased this year, were kept in a stable price. "China's exports
met the demand of European market. If the EU imposed anti-dumping
duties on China's steel products, it would harm Europe itself."
He also said EU's steel industry kept a good growth, and was
"not harmed by China's exports."
He stressed that China would like to solve the issue through
dialogue and negotiation, and encourage cooperation and exchanges
between the two sides.
According to Eurofer, Chinese steel imports into the EU will
reach 10 million tons this year, doubling that of last year.
If an anti-dumping complaint is lodged, the European Commission
will have 45 days to decide whether to launch an investigation,
which normally takes no more than a year, and in any case must be
completed within 15 months.
The commission could then, within 60 days to nine months, impose
provisional duties, which may last for six to nine months. After
the investigation is completed, the commission could propose
definite duties, which have to be approved by a majority of EU
member states and usually last five years.
(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2007)
