EC initiates anti-dumping proceedings against two Polish steel mills

The European Commission (EC) has launched anti-dumping proceeding against two Polish steel mills, Huta Sendzimira and Huta Buczek. The EC charges that the Polish mills are exporting pipes to European Union (EU) countries at prices below the production cost. Huta Sendzimira has made no attempt to defend itself. "Several months ago, after the first signs of objection from the EC, the management of Huta Sendzimira offered appropriate explanations," spokesperson Wioletta Kaluzny explained, and went on, "The defense costs would be prohibitive. We are aware that in view of the strong tendency to protect European markets, our chances are slim," However, Huta Buczek is prepared to fight the accusations, insisting that its pipe prices in Europe are higher than in Poland. The EC has said its officials will visit Huta Buczek in November to examine data supplied by the company management. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B3) M.T.