Felix Schoeller and other European decor paper manufacturers welcome the European Commission’s decision to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into imports of decor paper from China.

The investigation, which was initiated in Brussels, is a reaction to a joint complaint by the Osnabrück-based specialty paper manufacturer and three other major European decor paper producers. The companies firmly believe that this investigation is a crucial step to prevent further significant damage to the European décor paper industry and to ensure fair and healthy competition in the European market.

The complaint highlighted the harmful effects of distortions in the Chinese economy, which allow Chinese manufacturers to flood the EU market with decor paper at unfair prices and cause significant damage to the EU industry. The four decor paper manufacturers have emphasized the urgent need for anti-dumping duties in order to restore a level playing field for all players in the industry. “Open and fair competition is the basis for a functioning market economy. The development of our industry is based on these principles. We are deliberately using the possibility of an anti-dumping complaint at European Commission level to have compliance with these principles checked by all market participants,” says Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp, CEO Felix Schoeller.

Background: Decor paper is used for high-quality surfaces on wood-based materials such as furniture surfaces, flooring and panels, as well as for other applications in interior design, renovation and construction. It plays a decisive role in the production of affordable consumer goods with a long service life of often more than 20 years. The European decor paper industry produces an estimated 390,000 tons per year with manufacturers in seven member states. In addition, the industry provides thousands of jobs across Europe, including local jobs for craftsmen in rural areas.

Felix Schoeller supports targeted trade policy measures aimed at protecting the interests of European industry while ensuring supply stability and the competitiveness of downstream users for the benefit of consumers. Felix Schoeller pledges to continue working closely with the European Commission. The investigation is an essential means of ensuring a fair and competitive trading environment for the decor paper industry in Europe.