BRUSSELS, Belgium - In the framework of the European Commission’s hearing on how to reform the current trade defence instruments, i.e. anti-dumping measures, the European Twowheel Retailers’ Association (ETRA) is pleading for a modification of the legislation. With that they oppose the manufacturers’ position that is against any possible change in the current anti-dumping rules.
ETRA recently submitted a position paper at the European Commission on whether and how to reform the current trade defence instruments. In this position paper the ETRA is pleading for a modification of the legislation based on 3 objectives:
- more transparency
- review of the balance of interests
- wider considerations in the Community interest assessments
ETRA states in this position paper: “Above all, the EU should aim for a decrease of the number of anti-dumping investigations by striving for structural solutions. The bicycle business has been confronted with 8 complaints in 14 years’ time! That is one case every 21 months!”
ETRA continues in this position paper: “As a trade association, we try to defend the interest of specialized bicycle dealers in these cases but it proves to be very difficult and it consumes a considerable amount of our limited resources. We would very much prefer to spend our resources on other, more constructive and productive initiatives. If after 14 years and 8 complaints, the situation has still not improved, then, surely there are reasons to question the effectiveness of the trade defence instrument in use.”
By means of an Internet consultation, EU’s DG Trade has asked for stakeholders’ opinions. In addition to this consultation, a stakeholders’ meeting took place on 13 March. ETRA Secretary General Annick Roetynck attended this meeting for which more than 350 delegates registered.
After a long debate, it became clear that stakeholders were divided in two groups. One group, mainly consisting of European producers, is very much against any change in the current legislation. They argue that alterations may well contribute to the further dismantling of the European industry and to dislocating productions outside the EU.
The second group believes that the current legislation leaves room for improvement. They argue that the procedure should become more transparent. Also, the Commission should strive for a better balance of interests and measures should be applied in a stricter and more effective way.
Related articles on Bike Europe.com:
Other related articles:
- All position papers on the DG Trade website
- The Commission's Green Paper on Trade Defence Instruments in all European languages
- ETRA
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