European Aluminium files two cases with the General Court of the European Union

European Aluminium, which represents the entire European aluminium value chain, has filed two cases with the European Union's General Court to challenge the European Commission's 9-month suspension of definitive anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium flat-rolled products, which was imposed on October 12, 2021. The industry describes the postponement of the long-overdue trade defence measure as unwarranted, pointing out the negative impact it might have on European employment and businesses, as well as the bloc's long-term sustainability policy.

The first case challenges the suspension decision of the European Commission. The second complaint concerns the failure to collect interim anti-dumping taxes, which were issued in April of this year. European Aluminium filed both cases on December 17, 2021.

“After a diligent 14-month anti-dumping investigation, we were alarmed that the European Commission would conclude its suspension decision in just weeks, and without verification of submitted data. Moreover, the suspension contradicts the EU’s commitment to fair trade and the findings of the Commission’s initial anti-dumping investigation, which confirmed the existence of material injury caused by Chinese dumping. If the EU continues to allow dumped products on our market, we will lose European jobs and production of a metal that is crucial to Europe’s green transition,” said Gerd Götz, Director General of European Aluminium.

Imports of Chinese FRP have soared by nearly 77 percent since rumours of a likely ban leaked. The unexpected import surges back up the EU industry's warning that hoarding of China's unjustly low-priced FRPs during the suspension period will erode anti-dumping duties' efficacy beyond the suspension period.

“After exploring all possible avenues to challenge this suspension, we had no choice but to take this matter to court. The Commission decision has sent alarming signals to business actors and global partners alike,” added Götz.

The ban will be lifted if European Aluminium is proven to be correct, and anti-dumping duties may be collected retrospectively.