The EU was the target of 143 Anti-Dumping investigations, 15 Anti-subsidy investigations and 408 Safeguard investigations in the period 1995-2021. As a Safeguard case applies against all countries equally on MFN basis, it may be understood that all of these cases also target the EU, however, not all products may be of economic relevance to the EU. Details of investigations initiated and measures imposed can be found in the table below:

 

Table 1: Trade remedy investigations against the EU

	Anti-dumping investigation	Anti-subsidy Investigation	Safeguard investigation	Total
Initiated an investigation	143	15	408	566
Imposed measures	99	12	206	317

Source: WTO data

 

According to WTO statistics, the EU’s products of chemical industries are the group subject to the most trade remedy measures with a total of 88 impositions (including 51 anti-dumping measures, 1 anti-subsidy measure and 36 safeguard measures). Other EU’s exports such as chemical products; plastics, rubber; textiles; machinery and electrical equipment are also frequently investigated and imposed trade remedy measures (Details can be found in the table below).

 

Table 2: Top EU’s export products subject to the most trade remedy measures (1995-2021)

Items/Products	Anti-dumping measures	Anti-Subsidy measures	Safeguard Measures	Total
Products of the chemical and allied industries	51	1	36	88
Base metals and articles	15	0	54	69
Resins, plastics and articles; rubber and articles	21	0	7	28
Prepared foodstuff; beverages, spirits, vinegar; tobacco	0	4	17	21
Textiles and articles	2	0	17	19
Vegetable products	1	2	14	17
Articles of stone, plaster; ceramic prod.; glass	0	0	15	15
Miscellaneous manufactured articles	9	5	46	60
Total	99	12	206	317

Source: WTO data

 

The European Commission will intervene when EU’s exports are impeded by trade remedies imposed by third countries. Although it is entirely possible for third countries to use these instruments, it is imperative that they follow WTO rules and ensure that trade remedies do not become barriers to trade. EC’s intervention can take many forms, ranging from written technical submissions to participation in hearings to both oral and written submissions at the political level, if necessary. In case unreasonable measures are applied but cannot be avoided, the EC may resort to WTO action.

 

Source: Center for WTO and International Trade