EC terminates antidumping proceeding for imports of SSCR flat products from China, South Korea and Taiwan

On April 17, the European Commission (EC) announced the termination of the antidumping proceeding concerning the imports of stainless steel cold rolled (SSCR) flat products from China, South Korea and Taiwan.
 
On February 1, 2008, the EC announced the initiation of an antidumping proceeding with regard to imports into the EU of SSCR flat products originating in China, South Korea, and Taiwan. The proceeding was initiated following a complaint lodged on December 21, 2007 by the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (EUROFER) on behalf of the producers representing a major proportion, in this case more than 25 percent, of the total EU production of SSCR.
 
The investigation of dumping and injury covered the period from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. The examination of trends relevant for the assessment of injury covered the period from January 1, 2004 to the end of the investigation period.
 
In a letter dated March 4, 2009 addressed to the EC, EUROFER formally withdrew its complaint. According to EUROFER, this withdrawal was prompted by the fact that the current market situation for the EU industry differs significantly from the market situation in which the complaint was filed, given that real and apparent demand has recently collapsed in the EU and this has also led to a decline in imports.
 
The EC considered that the present proceeding should be terminated since the investigation had not brought to light any consideration showing that such termination would not be in the EU interest. The interested parties were informed accordingly and were given the opportunity to comment. However, no comments which could alter this decision were received.
 
Therefore, the EC concludes that the antidumping proceeding concerning the imports into the EU of SSCR flat products originating in China, South Korea and Taiwan should be terminated without the imposition of antidumping measures against the subject merchandise normally declared within CN codes 7219 31 00, 7219 32 10, 7219 32 90, 7219 33 10, 7219 33 90, 7219 34 10, 7219 34 90, 7219 35 10, 7219 35 90, 7220 20 21, 7220 20 29, 7220 20 41, 7220 20 49, 7220 20 81 and 7220 20.