Today, the European Court of Justice has rejected the appeal against the European Commission’s decision to impose anti-subsidy measures on glass fibre reinforcements (GFR) from Egypt. This judgment upholds the measures and reaffirms the Commission’s authority to act against these unfair trading practices. Glass Fibre Europe, the voice of the European continuous filament glass fibre industry, was a party to the proceedings.
In 2020, after a thorough investigation launched in 2019, the European Commission imposed anti-subsidy duties on GFR imports from Egypt. These measures were based on evidence that Jushi Egypt had received substantial subsidies from the Egyptian and Chinese governments. This case underscores broader concerns about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s global infrastructure strategy launched in 2013. That same year, China Jushi established a factory in a “special economic zone” in Egypt, enabling the company to avoid the payment of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs imposed on Chinese glass fibre products.
Cédric Janssens, Secretary General of Glass Fibre Europe, welcomed the Court’s decision, stating:
“This ruling affirms the duties currently in place, which is a positive development. However, the key takeaway is not the duty level, which remains insufficient. The significance lies in the confirmation of the European Commission’s authority to counter the Chinese government’s investment strategies beyond China’s borders.”
He added: “We are counting on the European Commission to be even more assertive in the future, ensuring that its measures are appropriately calibrated to re-establish a level playing field in the European market.”
Glass Fibre Europe remains dedicated to supporting the European Commission in upholding fair trading practices. The association will continue to collaborate closely with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the glass fibre industry, while safeguarding it and its value chain against predatory practices.
