The Netherlands now in favour of import tax

The Netherlands no longer resist the idea of import taxes for non-EU products dumped on the European markets, despite numerous attempts to block such taxes in the past.

Excess production in China

In a meeting with the European Trade Ministers in Brussels, minister Lilianne Ploumen said she was willing to cooperate to create several “trade defence” measures to protect European manufacturers.

Plenty of European steel manufacturers face stiff competition from the excess production in China, which then dumps the material onto the European market at very low prices. Many European companies are therefore forced to manufacture lower amounts, which leads to job losses. Minister Ploumen hopes measures can be created before the end of the year.

Particularly Sweden, the United Kingdom (and until recently, the Netherlands) have opposed any European measure to protect European manufacturers.