The European Parquet Federation is pleased with the European Commission’s proposed provisional anti-dumping duties. These duties are aimed at imports of parquet from China.
European Commission Imposed over 40% Anti-Dumping Duties on Parquet from China
The European Parquet Federation (FEP) has expressed its approval of the findings released by the European Commission regarding the dumping and injury margins associated with imports of Multilayered Wood Flooring, commonly known as parquet, from China. These findings were made public on December 18, 2024, in a preliminary disclosure format. The Commission’s analysis revealed that imports originating from China were being sold at significantly lower prices in the European Union, leading to substantial dumping margins. Consequently, the proposed provisional anti-dumping duties on these imported products are expected to be set between 42.3% and 49.2%. Furthermore, as of October 2024, all imports of parquet products from China have been subjected to customs registration, indicating that there may be retroactive application of these anti-dumping measures.
With the recent pre-disclosure announcement, it is anticipated that the provisional anti-dumping measures will be implemented around mid-January 2025. This action is crucial for providing essential support to the EU parquet industry, which has endured negative impacts due to the influx of Chinese imports over several years.
The ongoing investigation into anti-dumping practices by the Commission was initiated following a formal complaint lodged by the FEP on behalf of significant producers within the EU, representing various Member States where parquet manufacturing occurs. The request for the establishment of anti-dumping duties is deemed necessary to create a fair competitive environment in the EU market, particularly in light of the unreasonably low pricing of Chinese parquet imports, which stem from excessive production capacity and structural imbalances within the Chinese market.
Isabelle Brose, the Managing Director of FEP, commented further on the Commission’s pre-disclosure findings. She stated that the provisional duty levels announced by the Commission would offer vital relief to an industry that has been adversely affected by unfair competition from Chinese imports. According to her, the proposed duty rates are both reasonable and fitting, as they accurately reflect the significant price disparities caused by the extensive overcapacity and market distortions prevalent in the Chinese parquet industry.
The FEP, along with EU parquet manufacturers, intends to maintain active collaboration with the Commission’s investigative team throughout the remaining phases of this inquiry until it reaches its formal conclusion in July of the following year.
Implication for Chinese Parquet Flooring Manufacturers
With the imposed 42.3% tariffs against Chinese made parquet floorings, flooring brands and flooring distributors will look for alternative source of parquet flooring products. It is expected that parquet flooring manufacturers from European based region will gain a significant amount of market share as flooring importers diversify their flooring purchase from China alternative manufacturers.
