European Commission Enforces Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Tinplate

The European Commission announced final anti-dumping duties on imports of tinplate from China, marking a significant escalation in its efforts to safeguard the EU steel industry. The duties range from 13% to 62%, targeting Chinese exporters who were found to be selling tinplate at unfairly low, or “dumped,” prices within the EU market.

These duties follow a thorough investigation covering the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. The EC concluded that Chinese imports had caused considerable injury to European producers by disrupting fair competition in a market valued annually at €2.7 billion.

Background of the Investigation & Preliminary Duties

The anti-dumping investigation was launched in May 2024 after a formal complaint by the European Steel Association, known as EUROFER. The complaint centered on evidence that Chinese producers benefited from distorted pricing, largely due to restricted access and subsidies on essential raw materials like hot-rolled flat products.

Initially, preliminary duties were imposed on January 14, 2025, with rates between 14.1% and 62.6% for different Chinese companies. The final duties announced now represent a refinement of those figures, slightly adjusted but largely confirming the initial findings.

Impact on European Tinplate Market & Producers

Tinplate is a critical steel product used extensively in packaging, including food and beverage cans. The influx of Chinese tinplate at dumped prices undercut European manufacturers, squeezing their profit margins and threatening the viability of local production.

EUROFER highlighted that the raw material costs, particularly hot-rolled flat products accounting for 60-70% of total production costs, were manipulated in China due to export restrictions and subsidies. This allowed Chinese producers to export tinplate at prices that did not reflect true production costs.

“This decision is a crucial step towards restoring fair competition and securing jobs in Europe’s tinplate industry,” said a EUROFER spokesperson. “It sends a strong message that dumping practices will not be tolerated.”

The Scale & Scope of the Anti-Dumping Duties

The final anti-dumping duties span a broad range from 13% to 62%, reflecting varying levels of dumping by different Chinese exporters. This tiered approach ensures that penalties are proportionate to the unfair trade practices identified.

The measures apply directly to all Chinese tinplate imports entering the European Union, affecting a market where annual demand is substantial. The duties are expected to increase costs for Chinese exporters, making their tinplate less competitively priced and helping European producers regain market share.

Next Steps for the European Tinplate Sector

European tinplate manufacturers are expected to benefit from the anti-dumping duties as they seek to stabilize prices and increase production. The EC will monitor compliance closely and review the measures periodically to ensure they remain effective and proportional.

Meanwhile, EUROFER and industry leaders are calling for complementary policies to support innovation, environmental sustainability, and competitiveness in the steel sector, aiming to secure the industry’s long-term future amid global uncertainties.

Key Takeaways

• The European Commission has set final anti-dumping duties of 13-62% on Chinese tinplate imports to combat unfair pricing practices harming EU producers.

• The investigation found that Chinese producers benefited from distorted raw material prices, especially hot-rolled flat products, due to export restrictions and subsidies.

• The duties aim to restore fair competition in a €2.7 billion annual market and protect European steel