European Commission Announces New Steel, Aluminum Inquiries

As Reuters reported, on Friday, February 14, the European Commission (EC) launched an investigation into whether China is dumping aluminum extrusions into European markets. The investigation stems from a complaint filed earlier this year by the European Aluminum, a trade group that, in this matter, represents seven producers.

The Commission said, “The evidence provided by the complainant shows that the volume and the prices of the imported product under investigation have had, among other consequences, a negative impact.” As Reuters noted, the United States and Canada already have placed anti-dumping duties on aluminum extrusions.

On the same day of the aluminum announcement, the EC also said it has started a second review of the current safeguard measures on steel imports into the European Union. Specifically, according to S&P Global, the inquiry will examine the overall framework of the safeguards and the list of developing World Trade Organization (WTO) countries that currently are excluded from the safeguards. The Commission also “will assess whether imports from a developing WTO member exceed the three percent of its share of overall imports of the product subject to measures.” The steel inquiry will be finished no later than June 30, 2020.

Click here for more information regarding the aluminum extrusions investigation and click here for more information about the steel products inquiry.