02/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has taken anti-dumping measures against the import of zinc oxide originating in China. In the framework of an investigation led since close to a year on the basis of indications provided by the European Metals Association (Eurometaux), a dumping margin, ranging from 17 to 64.5% was established on the basis of comparison of the situation with a similar market economy country, in this case the United States. This investigation also revealed a clear tendency towards a rise in the imports in question (962% in terms of volume) between 1996 and 2000, as well as a net deterioration in the situation of the Community industry, which, in these four years saw its production fall (-6%), its sales (-7%) and jobs, as well as its market share drop, under the "pressure exercised on prices and by a fall in its return", a regulation published in the Official Journal No. 248. The anti-dumping duties applicable to the imports in question over the next six months will vary between 16.9 and 33.% depending on the different incriminated traders (market economy, individual treatment, etc.).