On 11 June 2025, the European Commission implemented provisional anti-dumping duties of up to 62.4% on imports of hardwood plywood from China. The decision responds to evidence of sustained dumping practices and efforts by certain Chinese exporters to circumvent existing trade regulations.
© Symbiot | Dreamstime
The duties, set to remain in place for six months pending the outcome of ongoing investigations, aim to stabilise the EU plywood market and protect European producers from unfair competition. According to the Commission, Chinese exporters have used tactics such as applying thin layers of softwood to hardwood plywood in order to exploit classification loopholes and avoid duties.
For the first time, the Commission has also introduced a monitoring mechanism for technically modified imports, allowing for the creation of distinct TARIC codes under CN codes 4412 10 00 and 4412 39 00. These changes are expected to support further enforcement measures under Article 13 of EU Regulation 2016/1036.
Industry groups have welcomed the move. Jarosław Michniuk, Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board at PAGED Plywood, said the decision sends "a clear signal" that the EU will no longer tolerate deceptive trade practices. The Greenwood Consortium also expressed support, calling for even higher final duties later this year and praising the Commission's efforts to counter manipulation of customs classifications.
The Commission has monitored Chinese hardwood plywood imports since December 2024, meaning retroactive duties could also apply. Investigations revealed that EU industry indicators such as production, sales, and capacity usage declined by over 10% during the review period, while inventories rose by 25%. The sector, once profitable, saw earnings fall to –2% in 2023.
This action follows a March 2025 warning from the Commission concerning high risks of sanctions evasion through plywood imports, particularly linked to Russian and Belarusian birchwood re-exported via China.
Source: www.biznes.meble.pl