Europe’s composites and plastics converting companies are warning the European Commission an anti-dumping review into Chinese exports of certain continuous filament glass fibre products could force them to relocate outside Europe.

The Brussels based European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) and EuPC, the Trade Association of the European Plastics Converters are to meet with the Commission to stress their concerns.

A communiqué from the EuCIA noted that any resulting “import duties on glass fiber from China will very likely lead to prices increase within our industry in a short time period”.

It warned: “Due to increases in prices and other factors, companies may consider relocation of production outside Europe (e.g. China).” It argued that “possibly unjustified import duties will affect the whole chain, including the European consumers and their purchasing power,” adding: “Past antidumping cases have shown that outcomes are unpredictable and in some situations – irrational.”

And the tariffs could be high, it warned, noting that similar past anti-dumping cases have created duties has high as 20%.

It explained: “Glass fibre use from China by our industry is currently part of the global business development, balancing the costs in the production process. If changes are foreseen, the cost competition within our industry will be affected.”