EC may impose penalties on Polish steel mills over dumping accusations

The European Commission (EC) has informed Poland's Sendzimira, Buczek and Ferrum steel mills that it has launched anti-dumping proceedings against them regarding the export of steel pipes to EU countries. If the mills cannot convince the EC of their innocence, Polish pipe exports will be subjected to penalties in the form of extra duties. The accusations relate to a charge filed with the EC on June 29 by EU pipe produces, stating that in the period from July 1, 2000, EU markets had been flooded with cheap Polish exports. However, the Polish steel mills deny the allegations. The conflict should be resolved within 15 months, although the EC may decide in the meantime to impose temporary penalties, a step that would be very harmful to the Polish steel sector. According to market analysts, the level of the duties is decided on an individual basis. (Puls Biznesu, p. 9) P.J.