Beijing (TDI): Chinese experts have called on the European Union to adhere to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and demonstrate greater sincerity in addressing trade issues with China, following the EU’s recent decision to launch an anti-dumping investigation into imports of hardwood plywood from China.
On Friday, the European Commission (EC) announced the initiation of the anti-dumping probe, stating that the complaint was lodged in August by the Greenwood Consortium on behalf of the EU’s hardwood plywood industry.
The EC further noted that a regulation requiring the registration of these imports would be published soon, with the investigation expected to conclude within a year.
Provisional measures could be imposed within seven months.
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Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, warned that such investigations often lead to trade frictions.
“The EU’s move not only affects industries within the bloc but could also strain China-EU trade relations,” Wang said, urging the EU to abide by WTO rules and foster a stable economic partnership with China.
Negotiations
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) responded on Saturday, highlighting that the two sides have held eight rounds of intensive consultations since September regarding the electric vehicle tariff dispute.
While progress has been made in some areas, significant differences remain due to the EU’s failure to address core concerns, according to MOFCOM.
The ministry reaffirmed China’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue, inviting EU technical teams to China for further discussions.
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MOFCOM emphasized that preparations for the next round of face-to-face negotiations were complete.
Wang stressed the importance of the EU adopting a more flexible and pragmatic approach to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
“Both sides should aim for a balanced solution by addressing their respective concerns during negotiations,” he added.
The ongoing consultations and disputes underscore the complexities of China-EU trade relations, with both parties striving to find common ground amidst growing tensions.
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