On 18 December 2024, the European Commission announced the initiation of registration for shipments of hardwood plywood from China at EU borders. This decision, detailed in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3140, is part of an ongoing anti-dumping investigation that began in October 2024, aimed at protecting the EU market from unfair trade practices by Chinese importers.
Jarosław Michniuk, the CEO of Paged Group. Photo: Paged Group.
The regulation, applicable across all EU countries, came into effect immediately. By registering Chinese hardwood plywood shipments, the EU allows for retroactive duties to be applied if the Commission decides to impose either provisional or definitive duties. This process seeks to prevent importers from stockpiling products in anticipation of potential duties, ensuring fair competition on the EU market.
According to data submitted by the Greenwood consortium, which the European Commission referred to in the Regulation, dumping margins for the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 are estimated to range between 89% and 335%, depending on the type of hardwood. The injury elimination level is estimated to be around 224%.
Jarosław Michniuk, CEO of the Paged Group, emphasised that the launch of this registration signals the Commission's determination to tackle unfair competition head-on. "Today's launch of registration of Chinese plywood cargoes at EU borders is a clear signal that the Commission is taking decisive steps against unfair competition," Michniuk stated. He further highlighted that the losses indicated in the EC communication confirm the scale of the issue, stressing that this move is essential for both ensuring fair competition on the EU market and preparing for potential duties on imported plywood from China.
The Greenwood consortium, representing over 25% of EU hardwood plywood production, has pointed out that low-quality Chinese products, including disposable plywood, have been negatively affecting the EU market. Additionally, they have raised concerns about Chinese producers attempting to avoid tariffs through product modifications.
The registration process is seen as vital for ensuring transparency and efficiency, aiming to protect the European economy from dumping and support sustainable development within the plywood sector. The Greenwood Consortium, founded in 2023, operates as a joint initiative of leading EU hardwood plywood producers from countries such as Poland, Italy, France, and Finland. Its goal is to promote fair competition and sustainable market development within the EU, with Paged serving as a supporting member.
The regulation has sparked cautious optimism among EU producers. While the exact outcome of the anti-dumping proceedings remains uncertain, the decision is a significant step towards creating a level playing field. Jarosław Michniuk noted that while tariffs might impose additional challenges, the EU plywood sector is already adapting to such regulations, highlighting the need for businesses to be pragmatic and prepare for all possible outcomes.
Ultimately, the registration of Chinese hardwood plywood is seen as a crucial element in ensuring fair competition and safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the EU market.
Source: biznes.meble.pl