Adverse consequences of imposing import duties on titanium dioxide

Question for written answer E-002612/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

On 10 July 2024, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1923 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty ranging between 14.4 % and 39.7 % on imports of titanium dioxide from China. While the regulation protects the domestic production of raw materials from unfair trade practices and stabilises the market, it passes on the problem to businesses further down the supply chain and to the producers of finished products. Companies based near the EU's external borders are especially exposed to unfair competition from non-EU countries - particularly Türkiye - as these countries continue to benefit from lower import prices for titanium dioxide. This poses a threat to the sustainability of these companies, especially smaller businesses.

In view of this, can the Commission answer the following:

• 1.Was an impact assessment carried out for businesses across the entire supply chain, prior to the adoption of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1923?
• 2.How does it plan to deal with the adverse consequences for all end users of titanium dioxide, in order to prevent job losses and factories from potentially closing or businesses relocating to countries outside the EU?
• 3.Does it plan to propose an extension of the measure?

Submitted: 21.11.2024