Exporters' News Alert

19.02.2008

European investigating anti-dumping cases of Chinese-made candles and wires

European Commission has started investigating the anti-dumping case of Chinese-made candles, after receiving complaints from three German producers and one producer each from Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden. In addition, the Commission will also investigate the anti-dumping case of certain pre- and post-stressing wires and wire strands of non-alloy steel imported from China.

The complaint against Chinese candles involves the following three categories:
(1) candles, plain, unperfumed (CN code: 34060011);
(2) candles, whether or not perfumed, excluding plain and not perfumed (CN code: 34060019);
(3) tapers, nightlights (CN code: 34060090)

The imports of Chinese candles into the EU market is said to be having a dumping margin of 50%. From 2001 to 2006, Chinese imports of candles into the EU considerably grew by up to 197%, according to Eurostat, the official statistics of the European Union. These imports fell in 2006, accompanied by a remarkable decrease in import prices for these products up to 20%.

The anti-dumping investigation in the EU can last up to 15 months once initiated, with possible five years of definitive measures against the candles if the dumping is proved. It is the first EU anti-dumping investigation against Chinese consumer goods since the EU has imposed anti-dumping duties on shoes imported from China and Vietnam in 2006.

Source: Hong Kong Trade Development Council