The end of anti-dumping duties?

BRUSSEL, Belgium - A secret change in the trade policy of the EU, might mean the end of all anti-dumping duties in the bike industry. Peter Mandelson, European Union trade commissioner, has denied claims that Brussels covertly lowered Europe’s defences against unfair subsidies by other countries and has shown “unequivocal political bias” against anti-dumping measures.

According to a June 4 report in the Financial Times, these allegations were made in a letter from industry bodies representing 10 of the European industries most exposed to global competition, including textiles, chemicals, metals, mining and fertilisers.

The Financial Times states: “Last year Brussels instigated 36 anti-dumping measures, including controversial cases involving bicycle parts and Chinese shoes, but there has been none this year.”

Peter Mandelson launched a consultation in December on reforming Europe's anti-dumping rules. The 10 industry bodies suspect Mandelson has tilted implementation of anti-dumping rules away from European manufacturers even before the consultation is complete.

The report in the Financial Times states further that Mandelson's team denies a change of policy, arguing the absence of any new anti-dumping measures in 2007 was simply “the calm after the storm” of controversial cases last year.