ETRA Submits Position Paper Against Dumping to EC

BRUSSELS, Belgium- On 14 December ETRA sent out a detailed position paper to the European Commission stating its reasons for opposing the EBMA dumping complaint against frames and forks Taiwan and China and wheels from China. ETRA is the European association for independent two-wheel retailers, representing some 6,500 companies throughout Europe. "We herewith expressly oppose the EBMA-complaint against the import of frames and forks from China and Taiwan and against the import of wheels from China," states the paper. "We believe that the complaint is inconsistent with the opinion and the position of the majority of the Community producers whom this complaint involves. We believe that the complaint is an attempt by a minority of community producers to obstruct free competition, rather than a true charge against the illicit trade practices as determined in the Council Regulation No 384/96 on protection against dumped imports from non EU countries." The paper goes on to outline the reasons for its opposition. Likewise, it provides frame and fork import figures from Taiwan and China. In its conclusion, ETRA says that, if anti-dumping measures are taken, "a number of European bicycle manufacturers who, by lack of frames and forks, will be unable to continue bicycle production will probably switch to the import of complete bicycles." (JW) The ETRA position paper is published in full on this website's 'Dumping Page'.