Beijing (TDI), December 7th (AMSP/CGTN) – – China has called on the European Union (EU) to refrain from further escalating trade tensions, as the bloc plans to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese titanium dioxide (TiO2) imports, set to take effect in January 2025.
He Yadong, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), expressed concerns on Thursday, stating that Beijing would closely monitor the EU’s actions to ensure the protection of Chinese companies’ legitimate rights.
This follows reports that EU members have approved the imposition of final anti-dumping duties on Chinese titanium dioxide, after a provisional tariff was introduced in July.
The move has sparked opposition within EU industries
The European Coatings Journal, a publication for the bloc’s coatings sector, warned on November 26 that such tariffs could severely affect the competitiveness of the EU paint industry, which relies heavily on TiO2 as a raw material for varnishes, paints, and printing inks, according to Global Times.
The white pigment, which accounts for up to 40 percent of raw material costs and 20 percent of end product costs, is crucial for an industry generating 33 billion euros annually and supporting over 150,000 jobs in the EU.
China’s call comes amid a broader pattern of trade remedy investigations by the EU. Since the start of 2024, the EU has launched 15 such investigations against China.
He Yadong reiterated China’s stance, urging the EU to abide by World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, refrain from abusing trade measures, and work towards maintaining stable economic relations between China and the EU.
This latest tariff dispute follows an earlier announcement in October when the EU unveiled plans to impose protectionist tariffs of up to 45.3 percent on Chinese electric vehicles.
Ongoing bilateral talks aim to find a resolution to the growing trade friction.
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