An anti-dumping investigation into glass fibre products originating in China is coming to a first conclusion and could result in “shocking” levels of 43.6%, the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) is warning.

EuCIA said in a statement: “The anti-dumping complaint was lodged in 2009 by the European Glass Fibre Producers. According to EuCIA sources, the European Commission plans provisional measures of 43.6% on glass fibre products as of 17 September.”

It continued: “The European composites industry considers that such measures would be absolutely against the Community interest and will be detrimental for the composites users in the short and long term. The current glass fibre shortage in the market and the persistent low business confidence level as a result of the crisis is currently experienced by the European composites industry. To this situation, the users are now running the risk of being faced with unrealistic and very high anti-dumping duties.”

EuCIA also expressed concern that EU Member States must make a decision on the provisional duties in a short timeframe, as they need to provide their written opinion by 11 August.

The association urged companies to make their concerns known to national bodies and politicians.

“Do raise awareness about the impact resented by composite companies and the overall effects on employment and economy import duties will have if applied,” it said.