EU opposes protective tariffs on exports of its galvanized steel to the Philippines

The European Union has filed a petition with the Department of Commerce against the application of protective measures in the form of imposing penalty tariffs on imports of galvanized iron. The European Union stressed that these means of trade cover many parties and will be difficult to prove.

Walter van Hettam, head of the European Union's Trade and Economic Section, arrived in the Philippines with a delegation and said that the EU has already submitted its position paper to the Department of Trade and Industry, which has launched an investigation into both cases last September.

This discussion arose from a petition filed by Puyat Steel Corporation regarding the import of galvanized iron as well as pre-painted galvanized iron sheets. The claimants argue that the sudden surge in imports of these products harms the domestic industry in terms of market share, sales, capacity utilization, productivity and profitability, and undermines domestic prices.

Protective measures aimed at neutralizing import harm are country-specific and affect the anti-dumping penalties applied. Walter van Hettam argues that EU safeguards should not be included regarding the import of galvanized products into the Philippines. He stressed that the EU has very strict rules and a very strong competition policy. In addition, he is convinced that the Philippines will not have to use defensive instruments against the European Union.