Brussels, 07/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has initiated a review of definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of urea originating in Russia, just weeks before they are due to expire. The European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association (EFMA) expects a resurgence in dumping and the resulting injury to European manufacturers, in spite of a considerable decline in exports from Russia since the previous investigation. The new procedure will make it possible to check evidence produced in support of its claims, which at first sight seems sufficient, notably that Russian exporters are continuing to sell urea at dumped prices on the European market and elsewhere in the world. According to the EFMA, this is an indication for the recurrence of further dumping should the measures introduced in March 1995 be repealed. The association also expects renewed injury to the EU industry given Russia's significant production and low domestic consumption (capacity available for export represents more than half of all Community consumption). In addition, there are fears that a new influx of Russian imports at dumped prices would further depress prices in the Community, worsening the situation of the European industry, which is still precarious despite the measures in force (prices are alleged to have dropped by more than 40% since 1995/1996, leading to a continuous deterioration of profitability). Of the three market economy third countries proposed (United States, Poland and Slovak Republic), the Commission considers the Slovak Republic to be the most appropriate reference for calculation of the normal value of urea. Initiation of the review is announced in Official Journal C 62 of 4 March.