The EU is investigating possible dumping of Chinese agglomerated stone

Brussels - The European Union has initiated another investigation into cheap Chinese imports. The European Commission announced today that it will begin examining whether Chinese manufacturers of agglomerated stone used for interior cladding are selling their products in the European Union at dumping prices. This month, Brussels has already imposed punitive tariffs on the import of cheap Chinese solar panels.
     The Commission launched the investigation in response to a complaint filed last month by the European Association of Manufacturers of Agglomerated Stone A.St.A. It has 15 members, six of whom are from Italy and two each from Spain and Turkey. A.St.A. complains that Chinese producers are selling their goods on the European market "below fair market prices," or even below their costs.
     The agglomerated stone market in the EU has an annual value of 480 million euros (12.5 billion CZK) and Chinese imports account for about nine percent of it. An informed source told Reuters that the case is considered small to medium-sized for the Commission.
     Agglomerated stone is made from a mixture of stone dust and chips, bonded with polymer resin. It is often cheaper, less porous, and harder than natural stone such as granite or marble.
     The European Commission imposed anti-dumping duties on the import of Chinese solar panels at an initial rate of 11.8 percent in mid-June. If Brussels and Beijing do not reach a resolution to the dispute within two months, the tariffs will increase to an average of 47.6 percent in August. China responded by launching an investigation into the import of European wines.