Tech-Fab Europe commends Commission diligence in addressing circumvention by Chinese producers

9 September 2022, Brussels

Tech-Fab Europe welcomes yesterday’s publication of anti-circumvention measures against imports of glass fibre fabrics (GFF) from Turkey.  Raphaël Pleynet, Secretary General, of Tech-Fab noted « The Commission has shown great diligence over the last 18 months to address the multiple ways China-based GFF producers have attempted to avoid the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures imposed on imports from China and Egypt.  The measures published yesterday are the culmination of those efforts; we greatly appreciate these actions and will continue to work closely with the Commission to address any further illegal activities. »

In addition to yesterday’s imposition of anti-circumvention measures on GFF imports from Turkey, the Commission has since the adoption of the initial measures in 2020 also imposed other anti-circumvention measures (imports from Morocco), anti-absorption measures, and measures on imports destined for offshore use.  « Of course, we must remain vigilant given the major overcapacities in China and the importance of GFF in the lightweight materials value chain, » commented Mr. Pleynet.

GFF represent the second step in the glass-based lightweight materials value chain after glass fibre reinforcements.  GFF are glass fibre fabrics that are used together with resins as reinforcement materials in an ever increasing number of industry sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, energy, industry, transport, construction and sport and leisure.  Due to their light weight, GFF have replaced many heavier materials in recent years to reduce energy consumption and help the EU achieve its climate targets.

TechFab Europe represents various European glass-based technical  textile industry sectors in matters concerning regulatory and trade compliance.

For further information contact:
Raphaël Pleynet, Secretary General of Tech-Fab Europe – secretary-general@tech-fab-europe.eu