Brussels, 12/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - The import of air compressors from China (see EUROPE 9597) was the subject of bitter debate at the EU Anti-Dumping Committee on Thursday 7 February. After a 13-month investigation into a complaint lodged by Italian air compressor manufacturers Nu Air and FIAC, DG Trade at the European Commission noted dumping in a range of between 67.4 and 77.6% by the main Chinese state-owned manufacturers. After assessing the EU interest, DG Trade suggested, however, that anti-dumping duties should not be levied on imports of Chinese air compressors, arguing that this would not be in the interest of certain economic operators, namely consumers and importers and retailers. EU sources explain that 8% of the air compressors sold in Europe are produced in the EU, and production is continuing its inexorable downward slide, with 50% of compressors originating in China. On 7 February 2008, 14 member states are reported to have voted against the European Commission's proposal and in favour of a compromise put forward by Cyprus. The two Italian companies explain that Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and the Baltic states backed DG Trade's proposals. The only way to prevent the European Commission from imposing its idea is for a coalition of at least 14 member states to disagree. The EU has to decide on the issue before 16 March. (E.H.)