The final conclusions of the Antwerp Dialogue on Trade (2025) have been released, offering critical insights into market dynamics threatening the EU’s industrial competitiveness. Representatives from Glass Fibre Europe and other stakeholders highlighted significant concerns over China’s growing control of essential resources and the persistent issue of unfair competition. The dialogue underscored the urgent need for EU policy action to protect strategic sectors and local jobs.
Key findings from the Antwerp Dialogue include:
- China’s Growing Control Over Strategic Resources
China’s dominance over rare earth elements and processed materials, including glass fibre, poses a risk to Europe’s strategic sectors, potentially impacting supply chain resilience and EU autonomy. - Unfair Competition and Rising Overcapacity
Persistent overcapacities by Chinese firms, both domestically and abroad, have led to market distortions, weakening the EU’s industrial base, threatening jobs, and undermining fair competition. - Urgent Call for EU Action on Overcapacity
Stakeholders at the dialogue appealed for decisive European Commission intervention to monitor and address overcapacity issues that impact the fairness and sustainability of EU industries.
“There is a striking alignment between the conclusions of the Antwerp Dialogue on Trade and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič‘s recent remarks in the European Parliament on the urgent need to address Chinese overcapacities,” said Cédric Janssens, Secretary General of Glass Fibre Europe. “As the European Commission examines this critical issue, it must recognize that China’s overcapacity strategy extends beyond its borders, heavily subsidized and bolstered through the Belt and Road Initiative. Focusing solely on domestic Chinese activities risks enabling circumvention of any new measures, undermining their effectiveness.”
“We need swift, targeted measures from the European Commission to protect our industries and maintain Europe’s strategic independence,” Janssens added. “Our value chains are at stake, and we must act now to restore fair competition and secure local jobs in critical sectors.”
Glass Fibre Europe urges the European Commission to prioritize addressing overcapacity and strengthening trade policy measures to counter predatory practices on the European market. The full Antwerp Dialogue conclusions can be accessed below.
