Brussels, 09/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has decided to review the definitive anti-dumping measures being applied to imports of disposable lighters originating in China, just weeks before expiry of the measures. The federation representing European manufacturers of this kind of lighter (with flint, gas, non-rechargeable) in fact provided sufficient elements of proof to table in the continuation or resurgence of dumping and injury caused to this industry should anti-dumping duties disappear.
In order to support its allegation that practices were continued despite measures aimed to eliminate them, the Federation made a comparison between the normal value of disposable lighters on the Chinese market and their export price towards the Union. It claims that, in the case of expiry of the duties, the current volume of imports of Chinese lighters would probably increase, given the large production capacities available in this country which would make it possible to relaunch or increase its production. The Federation also affirms that the situation of the Community industry remains precarious, with low profitability and falling production capacities.
It is also appropriate to note that significant circumvention of duties has been noted, not remedied until January 1999, concedes the Commission in the notice of initiation of review in the Official Journal No C/127. It went on to provisionally admit, in the light of the surplus capacities cited, that any further substantial rise in imports from the country concerned at dumped prices would have the effect of bringing down prices in the Community, entailing market share losses for the Community industry and a worsening of the financial situation. It is, however, the investigation that will determine whether expiry of the measures is or not likely to entail continuation or reappearance of dumping and injury, it states.