The European Union has adopted anti-dumping measures on imports of glass fibre reinforcements from Bahrain, Egypt and Thailand, confirming the unfair practices applied by these Chinese companies operating in these countries - practices that have been harming the industry and its workers for years. The duties applied to companies exporting from these countries range from 11% to 25.4%. For imports from Egypt, currently the largest source of glass fibre reinforcement imports into Europe, the new anti-dumping duties will be added to the existing anti-subsidy measures already in place since 2020, resulting in a combined duty rate of 24.1%.

The request for measures initially introduced by the European producers early 2025, received strong support from industriAll Europe, representing industry workers, as well as from supplier companies and industry associations, and downstream users across the value chain.

L. Piraux, President of Glass Fibre Europe and CEO of 3B, stated: “The glass fibre industry is essential to Europe, not only because its materials are used across strategic sectors - such as renewables, transport, construction and defence - but also because it is built on the skills and commitment of thousands of workers and is deeply rooted in local communities across Europe. The broad support we received clearly illustrates this. We are very grateful that organisations such as industriAll Europe stood up to help raise political awareness of the existential threat posed by these dumped imports to the industry, its workforce, and its value chain.”

Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of industriAll Europe commented: “We recognise the efforts by the European Commission in the Glass Fiber investigation, however, in the longer term, without a stronger European decision on Chinese dumping, it is more than likely that we will face plant closures in Europe which will fundamentally undermine our industry. European glass fibre workers and those in downstream industries see the need for urgent action to ensure the retention of their quality jobs in Europe. There is a real risk that the duties that will be applied will be reabsorbed completely without solving the unfair level playing field. Maintaining existing industrial excellence in Europe and delivering our climate and energy ambitions demands a trade policy which creates a level playing field for our industries and good industrial jobs along global supply chains. Promoting high quality jobs in Europe is a shared priority for both unions and employers, our close collaboration with Glass Fibre Europe shows the urgency of the matter.”

With the anti-dumping measures now adopted, Glass Fibre Europe and industriAll Europe will continue working with the legislator on complementary actions. “The investigation confirms the existence of unfair practice, which is an important signal. However, the measures adopted remain insufficient to fully address the predatory strategies pursued through these investments in third countries. Further actions are needed, and we are already working with policymakers and partners on additional initiatives to strengthen the sector and secure its future in Europe.” concluded L. Piraux.

In the coming months, Glass Fibre Europe and industriAll Europe will continue advancing regulatory solutions to (i) Ensure fair pricing of imports on the European market, including through new initiatives and regulatory tools, (ii) Support investment and reduce non-personnel operating costs for EU-based manufacturers, and (iii) Promote local preference in strategic sectors relying on glass fibre.