Brussels, 27/08/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 21 August the European Commission adopted its 25th annual report to the European Parliament on anti-dumping activities, anti-subsidies and the safeguard of the European Union (in 2006). In it the Commission concludes that compared to previous years 2006 was characterised by an increase in the number of investigations opened without setting up any new instruments. The Commission described 2006 as an “average year” in terms of instruments carried out but also an “eventful year” in many respects, such as preparation for the 2007 enlargement of the EU, the Green Paper and the investigation into leather shoes from China.
At the end of 2006, 134 antidumping and 12 anti-subsidy instruments entered into force in the European Union. Only 0.6% of total imports into the EU were subject to anti dumping or anti subsidy instruments.
36 investigations were initiated. Provisional duties were imposed in 13 proceedings. Thirteen cases were concluded with the imposition of definitive duties. Eighteen proceedings were concluded without measures. Another nine antidumping measures were allowed to expire automatically following their 5 year duration.
The report revealed that review investigations continued to represent a large part of the Commission's trade defence services' work. They account for more than 63% of all investigations opened.
The report indicates that in the context of safeguard measures, the affair into frozen strawberries was closed without the imposition of measures at the end of 2006. Only one measure was in force, the one on certain citrus fruits.
The report concluded that the EU used its trade defence instruments moderately and confirmed that it sought to carry out investigations rigorously and in a disciplined fashion. At the same time it appears that the Commission is calling on the EU to not hesitate to adopt a firm position on unfair trade practices and that transparency went together with a rigorous application of trade defence that reflected changes to legislation in 2004-05. The Commission is committed to maintaining this line of conduct in the future. The text of the report can be seen at: (http: //eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/fr/com/2007/com2007_0479fr01.pdf). (ol)