PRESS RELEASE: European industry applauds President Macron stand on EU trade defence

Brussels, 2 October 2017 – AEGIS Europe - an alliance representing over 30 key industries - applauds French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for strong EU trade defences to counter the ever-growing trend of mass dumping of products into Europe. 

On Friday, 21 September, the French President met with European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani, to discuss issues of mutual concern, including EU trade defence. In a joint press conference in Paris, Mr Macron voiced his very real concern about “international competitors who do not respect international rules.” 

The timing of Mr Macron’s comments is extremely important in the lead up to the final Trilogue discussion, on 3 October 2017, between the European Parliament, Commission and Council.

“If an agreement is reached by the Trilogue next week, this agreement should focus on guaranteeing a legitimate trade defence system for European manufacturing industries, which are severely affected by unfair dumping onto the EU Market,” said Ines van Lierde, Chair of AEGIS Europe. 

AEGIS Europe pointed to the need for European policy makers to not only ensure compatibility with the WTO framework, but also clearly articulate that: "domestic costs in countries with significant distortions may be used only to the extent they are established to be undistorted on the basis of proper evidence,” said Ms van Lierde, adding: “The new EU methodology is a stand-alone methodology, distinct from the standard methodology applied to undistorted economies.  Equally it is important that decision makers guarantee an effective level of anti-dumping duties to be imposed on those imports coming from distorted economies,” she concluded.

Ends

Contact: Natalia Kurop m: +32 (0) 488 945 579 | email: info@aegiseurope.eu | http://www.aegiseurope.eu 

About AEGIS Europe
AEGIS Europe brings together nearly 30 European associations representing a broad variety of industries including traditional industries, consumer branches, SMEs and renewable energy sectors, accounting for more than €500 billion in annual turnover and millions of jobs across the EU. This industry alliance, made up of leaders in sustainable manufacturing and social and environmental responsibility, is committed to European manufacturing as the fundamental driver of innovation, growth and jobs in Europe.

For more information, visit http://www.aegiseurope.eu