The European Union initiated an antidumping (AD) probe into Chinese imports of steel towers used for wind turbines on Wednesday.
The investigation follows a complaint filed by the European Wind Tower Association, citing that the low cost and volumes of the steel structures entering the market have hurt European producers.
The European Commission, which directs trading procedures for EU countries, has determined that sufficient evidence exists to indicate dumping and warrant the start of proceedings.
Several steel categories from China are currently under review regarding anti-dumping (AD) procedures, including heavy and electrical steel, which are grades used in the construction of wind towers. The dumping margin for heavy steel plate is considered to be at 54.9pc with the margin for electrical steel deemed at 127.6pc, according to the European Steel Association (Eurofer).
According to a Eurofer spokesperson, the wind tower market in Europe is the main consumer of steel and a vital part of Europe’s plans on renewable energy. The region’s capacity to build its own renewable energy resources, including those produced by wind fuel, is fundamental in driving Europe toward carbon neutrality by 2050 and part of the EU’s green deal, the spokesperson highlighted.
AD investigations can take as long as 14 months, after which tariffs can be imposed by the union, usually for five years. It may also levy interim procedures after seven or eight months of review.
So far, the EU has initiated 48 steel-related trade defense probes, with steel products from China accounting for 28 of them, according to reports.