On February 27, 2024, the European Commission issued an announcement stating that, following the third sunset review of anti-dumping measures, it has decided to maintain anti-dumping duties of 54.1% to 70.8% on manual forklifts and their key components originating from China. This decision is based on an investigation into the dumping of the products in question and an assessment of the harm caused to EU industries. The investigation period covered October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, while the injury investigation period extended from January 1, 2019, until the end of the investigation period.

Since the European Commission first initiated an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese manual forklifts and their key components on April 29, 2004, EU regulation of this product category has persisted for two decades. During this period, the European Commission has repeatedly confirmed that if anti-dumping measures were lifted, the dumping of the products in question and the resulting harm to EU industries would likely continue or recur.

The anti-dumping duty rates retained in this decision range from 54.1% to 70.8%, with specific rates varying depending on the companies involved. Manual forklifts and their key components under EU CN codes ex 8427 90 00 and ex 8431 20 00, with EU TARIC codes 8427 90 00 11, 8427 90 00 19, 8431 20 00 11, and 8431 20 00 19, will continue to be subject to anti-dumping duties.

After three sunset reviews, the European Commission’s decision further underscores its firm stance on the continued implementation of anti-dumping measures. This decision not only poses challenges for Chinese exporters but also sends a clear signal to global trading partners that the EU will continue to take necessary steps to protect its industries from unfair trade practices.

Chinese manufacturers and exporters need to closely monitor changes in EU trade policies and adjust their export strategies to adapt to these changes.

Original announcement:COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2024/670