EC Set to Reinvestigate Dumping Duties on Chinese Bicycles

BRUSSELS, Belgium - (6 October) In response to the number of requests it has received, the European Commission has decided to consider an interim investigation on the dumping regulations concerning bicycles originating in China. The products concerned fall under CN codes 8712 00 10, 8712 0030 and 8712 00 80. The list of Chinese manufacturers that have requested a reevaluation is a small one and includes Giant China, Viva Guangzhou Bicycle Corporation, Merida Industry and Kenton Bicycle Group. Should the Commission decide to introduce new, presumably lower, duties, they will only apply to these manufactures. According to the Official Journal of 30 September, the above-mentioned producers are of the opinion that the production and sale of their bicycles are in accordance to European protocol. The Journal also mentions that the producers have the evidence to prove this. "Moreover," states the Journal, "the conditions have changed considerably since the dumping margins were determined." For reasons of comparison, the Commission has again chosen Mexico. Those parties wishing to comment on the reinvestigation must do so within 40 days of publication in the Official Journal. For comments on Mexico as the country of comparison, interested parties have until 10 October to send in their commentary. All letters should be addressed to: European Commission; Directorate-General Trade; Directorate C; DM 24, 8/37; Wetstraat 200; B-1049 Brussels; Belgium. The fax number is +32 3 295 6505 and the Telex: COMEU B 21877. (JW)