European Décor Paper Producers Welcome Launch of EU Anti-Dumping Investigation into Imports from China
Image By Courtesy of EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Osnabrück, June 2024 – Felix Schoeller, in collaboration with other leading European decor paper producers, has welcomed the European Commission's decision to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into the imports of decor paper from China.
This investigation, launched today, follows a complaint jointly lodged by the Osnabrück-based specialty paper manufacturer and three other major European decor paper producers.
The companies assert that this investigation is crucial for preventing further harm to the European decor paper industry and ensuring fair competition in the European market.
The complaint highlights the adverse effects of distortions in the Chinese economy, which allow Chinese manufacturers to flood the EU market with unfairly priced decor paper.
Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp, CEO of Felix Schoeller, states, "Open and fair competition is the basis for a functioning market economy. The development of our industry is based on these principles. We are consciously utilizing the anti-dumping complaint procedure at European Commission level to ensure compliance with these principles by all market participants."
This practice has caused significant damage to the EU industry. The four decor paper producers emphasize the urgent need for anti-dumping duties to restore a level playing field for all industry participants.
Background on Decor Paper Industry
Decor paper is essential for high-quality finishes on wood materials such as furniture surfaces, floors, and panels, as well as other interior design, renovation, and construction applications.
It plays a critical role in the production of affordable consumer goods with a lifespan often exceeding 20 years.
The European decor paper industry represents an estimated production of 390,000 tonnes per annum and includes manufacturers in seven Member States.
Additionally, the industry provides thousands of jobs across Europe, offering local employment opportunities for manual workers in rural areas.
Felix Schoeller supports targeted trade policy measures designed to protect the interests of European industries, ensuring supply stability and maintaining competitiveness among downstream users.
The company will continue to work closely with the European Commission, believing that this investigation will be pivotal in securing a fair and competitive trade environment for the decor paper industry in Europe.
About Felix Schoeller
Felix Schoeller harnesses the power of paper to deliver solutions that improve life for people and the planet.
Founded in 1895, this family-owned company operates from 17 locations across ten countries, offering proven paper solutions ranging from photographic and digital printing papers to decor papers for the furniture and wood-based panel industries.
Their product portfolio also includes release liners for medical products and industrial applications, sublimation papers for fashion, sportswear, and home furnishings, and flexible paper composites for packaging.
Felix Schoeller continues to push the boundaries of paper applications, replacing limited resources with paper as a renewable raw material.
Guided by their vision to make life better through paper, the company adheres to its central brand promise, "PAPER MADE FOR LIFE."
