Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures are among the European Union’s trade defence instruments. They are used when certain imports of goods lead to distortions of competition and thereby adversely affect economic sectors within the EU. Several new investigations have recently been initiated or resumed. Below is an overview of the latest developments.
Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy – what is the difference?
- Anti-dumping measures target goods imported into the European Union at prices below their normal market value. The focus is on the pricing and market behaviour of the exporting companies.
- Anti-subsidy measures concern imports whose price is artificially reduced by state support measures in the country of origin. Here, the focus is on state aid and its impact on competition.
Four new review proceedings concerning biodiesel from the USA
On 31 July 2026, the European Commission published four review proceedings relating to the anti-dumping and countervailing measures currently in force on biodiesel originating in the United States of America.
These proceedings are as follows:
- Expiry review of the countervailing measures (Official Journal C/2026/4128)
- Expiry review of the anti-dumping measures (Official Journal C/2026/4227)
- Partial interim review of the countervailing measures (Official Journal C/2026/4087)
- Partial interim review of anti-dumping measures (Official Journal C/2026/4088)
The two expiry reviews were initiated following a notice of the impending expiry of the measures, at the request of the European Biodiesel Board. The request was lodged on 30 April 2026 on behalf of the Union industry.
The two partial interim reviews, on the other hand, stem from a request submitted by Diamond Green Diesel LLC and Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited on 8 June 2026.
All four proceedings concern biodiesel produced from fatty acid monoalkyl esters or paraffinic gas oils of non-fossil origin obtained by synthesis and/or hydrotreating. The scope covers both pure substances and blends containing more than 20 per cent by weight of the relevant substance. The products concerned are currently classified under various CN and TARIC codes.
Notices in the Official Journal of the EU: C/2026/4128, C/2026/4227, C/2026/4087 and C/2026/4088 (all dated 31 July 2026).
Anti-dumping investigation into ‘glass beads’ from China
On 16 July 2026, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of solid glass microspheres (glass beads) originating in the People’s Republic of China.
The complaint was lodged on 2 June 2026 by nine manufacturers from the European Union.
The investigation covers solid glass microspheres with a diameter of up to 2 millimetres, regardless of whether they are coated or uncoated, or of their intended use or manufacturing process. The goods concerned are currently classified under CN codes ex 7018 10 90, ex 7018 20 00 and ex 7018 90 90, as well as TARIC codes 7018 10 90 10, 7018 20 00 10 and 7018 90 90 10. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3713 of 16 July 2026.
Anti-dumping investigation into ‘Peking ducks’ from China
On 9 July 2026, the European Commission announced the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation into imports of Peking ducks originating in the People’s Republic of China.
This followed a complaint lodged on 26 May 2026 by five producers of Peking ducks in the European Union.
The investigation covers Peking duck meat in various forms of presentation. These include, amongst others, whole birds or cuts, as well as fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, dried, smoked or otherwise preserved products. The goods concerned are currently classified under various CN and TARIC codes. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3584 of 9 July 2026.
Expiry review of anti-dumping measures on certain hot-rolled flat products of iron or steel originating in Turkey
On 6 July 2026, the European Commission initiated an expiry review of the existing anti-dumping measures on certain hot-rolled flat products of iron, non-alloy steel or other alloy steel originating in Turkey.
The proceeding is based on a request lodged by Eurofer on 1 April 2026 on behalf of the relevant Union industry.
The review covers hot-rolled flat products of iron or steel, whether in coils, cut to size or in the form of narrow strips, provided they are neither clad nor coated. The goods are currently classified under numerous CN and TARIC codes. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3536 of 6 July 2026.
Anti-dumping investigation into primary electrical cells and primary batteries made from alkaline manganese dioxide originating in China
On 2 July 2026, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of primary electrical cells and primary batteries made from alkaline manganese dioxide originating in the People’s Republic of China.
The complaint was lodged on 18 May 2026 by VARTA Consumer Batteries GmbH & Co. KGaA.
The investigation concerns non-rechargeable round cells made of alkaline manganese dioxide, excluding waste, scrap and parts. The products concerned are currently classified under CN code 8506 10 11. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3479 of 2 July 2026.
Anti-dumping investigation into certain polyether polyols from China
On 30 June 2026, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation concerning certain polyether polyols originating in the People’s Republic of China.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged on 8 June 2026 by BASF, Covestro, PCC Rokita, Shell and Chimcomplex.
The investigation concerns certain polyether polyols currently classified under CN code ex 3907 29 20 and TARIC codes 3907 29 20 35 and 3907 29 20 90. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3478 of 30 June 2026.
Anti-dumping investigation into ‘trichloroisocyanuric acids’ from China
On 24 June 2026, the European Commission reopened the anti-dumping investigation into imports of trichloroisocyanuric acid originating in the People’s Republic of China.
The request was lodged on 12 May 2026 by Ercros S.A. and Electroquímica de Hernani S.A. on behalf of the Union industry.
The investigation covers trichloroisocyanuric acid and preparations derived from it, which are also known by the international non-proprietary name ‘Symclosen’. The goods concerned are currently classified under CN codes ex 2933 69 80 and ex 3808 94 20, and TARIC codes 2933 69 80 70 and 3808 94 20 20. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3329 of 24 June 2026.
Anti-dumping review of monosodium glutamate from China
On 12 June 2026, the European Commission initiated an interim review of the existing anti-dumping measures on imports of monosodium glutamate from the People’s Republic of China.
The proceeding was initiated following a request from Ajinomoto Foods Europe, which was lodged on 24 April 2026.
The subject of the review is monosodium glutamate, currently classified under CN code ex 2922 42 00 (TARIC code 2922 42 00 20). Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3124 of 12 June 2026.
Anti-dumping review of aspartame from China
On 10 June 2026, the European Commission initiated an interim review of the existing anti-dumping measures against imports of aspartame originating in the People’s Republic of China.
The proceedings were initiated following a request from HSWT France S.A.S, which was submitted on 14 April 2026.
The product concerned is aspartame, currently classified under CN code ex 2924 29 70 (TARIC code 2924 29 70 05). Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3105 of 10 June 2026.
New anti-dumping investigation concerning bolted and boltless steel shelves from China
On 10 June 2026, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of steel bolt-on and plug-in shelving originating in the People’s Republic of China.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by the European Metal Shelving Manufacturers’ Defence Committee on 27 April 2026.
The investigation covers steel bolt-and-slot shelving and certain components of these shelving systems. These include, in particular, wall rails with two flat connecting surfaces and steel cross-beams without welded support connectors. The goods concerned are currently classified under CN codes ex 9403 20 80 (TARIC code 9403 20 80 20) and ex 9403 99 10 (TARIC code 9403 99 10 20). Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/3097 of 10 June 2026.
New anti-dumping investigation concering certain copolyesters from China
On 4 June 2026, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters originating in the People’s Republic of China.
The investigation was launched following a complaint lodged by BASF on 20 April 2026.
The investigation covers certain aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, namely polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) and polybutylene sebacate-co-terephthalate (PBSeT). The investigation covers products manufactured from both petrochemical and biological raw materials, in pure form or in mixtures, provided that the proportion of the aforementioned polymers is at least 50% by weight. The product is currently classified under CN code (ex) 3907 99 80 or TARIC code 3907 99 80 50. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/2964 of 4 June 2026.
New anti-dumping investigation concerning welded steel mesh from China and Turkey
On 3 June 2026, the European Commission announced the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation into imports of welded steel mesh from the People’s Republic of China and Turkey.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by the European Welded Steel Mesh Producers Association on 20 April 2026.
The subject of the investigation is welded mesh and netting made of non-ribbed wire, welded at the intersections; not plated, galvanised or otherwise coated; including those in rolls and galvanised products. The goods concerned are currently classified under CN codes 7314 20 90, 7314 31 00 and 7314 39 00. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/2971 of 3 June 2026.
Investigation concerning multi-layer wooden flooring from China reopened
On 28 May 2026, the European Commission announced to reopen the anti-dumping investigation (absorption investigation) into imports of multi-layer wooden flooring originating in the People’s Republic of China.
The relevant application was lodged on 14 April 2026 by the European Parquet Federation.
The investigation concerns composite multi-layer wooden flooring panels. The product concerned is currently classified under CN code 4418 75 00. Notice in the Official Journal of the EU: Official Journal C/2026/2810 of 28 May 2026.
Source: Hamburg Chamber of Commerce (in German)
