On October 11, 2024, the European Commission officially initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of Chinese hardwood plywood. This investigation, aimed at addressing trade imbalances, has been described as part of the broader trade tensions between the European Union (EU) and China.
Details of the Investigation
Scope of Products
The investigation targets plywood consisting solely of wood veneers other than bamboo and okoumé, with individual plies not exceeding 6 mm in thickness. These products include at least one outer ply of tropical wood or non-coniferous species listed under subheadings 4412 31, 4412 33, and 4412 34.
Key products under scrutiny include:
- Okoumé Faced Plywood
- Bintangor Faced Plywood
- Sapele Faced Plywood
- Eucalyptus Faced Plywood
- Birch Faced Plywood
- Film Faced Plywood
Complainants
The Greenwood Consortium, acting on behalf of the EU’s hardwood plywood industry, lodged the complaint on August 27, 2024. This group, appearing to be a newly established organization, argues that Chinese plywood imports harm the domestic plywood industry in Europe.
Investigation Timeline
The investigation follows a structured timeline:
- Initiation Stage
- Start Date: October 11, 2024
- Verification Visits: January 1–February 10, 2025
- Provisional Stage
- Pre-Disclosure: April 11, 2025
- Provisional Measures: May 11, 2025
- Comments on Provisional Measures: May 26, 2025
- Definitive Stage
- Final Disclosure Comments: July 28, 2025
- Definitive Measures Announcement: November 8, 2025
Impact on European Importers
Many European plywood importers are opposing the investigation, citing the following concerns:
- Increased Costs: Anti-dumping duties would significantly raise the cost of importing Chinese plywood, affecting the affordability of hardwood plywood in Europe.
- Supply Shortages: With limited alternatives to Chinese hardwood plywood, importers fear potential supply chain disruptions.
China’s Export Market for Plywood
Top Export Markets
While European countries are not individually ranked among China’s top plywood export markets, their combined import volumes make Europe the largest regional market for Chinese plywood in 2024.
The top export destinations in the first ten months of 2024 include:
- Philippines
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- UAE
- Australia
- Vietnam
- Saudi Arabia
- Japan
- Nigeria
- Mexico
European Market Overview
Major European importers of Chinese plywood include Belgium, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Together, these nations account for a significant share of China’s plywood exports.
Context: Trade Tensions Between EU and China
This investigation aligns with broader trade disputes between the EU and China. On October 8, 2024, China imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on certain distilled wines imported from the EU. These reciprocal actions highlight the growing trade friction between the two economies.
Conclusion
The EU’s anti-dumping investigation into Chinese hardwood plywood imports could have significant implications for both markets. While it aims to protect the domestic plywood industry, it may lead to higher costs and potential supply challenges for European importers. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders on both sides are preparing for its outcome, with final measures expected to be announced by November 2025.