🌍 The future of the European paints & coatings industry at risk? Anti-dumping duties on Chinese titanium dioxide (TiO₂) raise alarms The European Commission's plan to impose anti-dumping duties on TiO₂ imports from China has sparked significant concern across the European paints and coatings industry. Paula Salastie, CEO of Teknos, warns that these duties could have far-reaching consequences for competitiveness, innovation, and employment within the EU. With TiO₂ being a critical raw material for the industry—used in over 90% of products—Salastie highlights the potential risks of supply shortages and soaring costs, which could lead to plant closures and job losses across Europe. While the duties aim to protect EU producers, the unintended consequences could undermine the very industry they intend to support. 🎙️ In an exclusive interview, Paula Salastie shared her views on the challenges these duties pose and the steps needed to safeguard the industry. 👉 Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eE4-MURf 📊 Key Points: - Up to 40% increase in TiO₂ prices anticipated. - EU faces a 10% shortfall in TiO₂ supply. - Potential plant closures and significant job losses within the EU. - SMEs at risk of stunted innovation and investment gaps. How do you see these measures impacting the future of the European coatings industry? Share your thoughts below. 👇 #EuropeanCoatings #tio2 #titaniumdioxide #antidumping #sustainability #innovation #competitiveness #manufacturing
Very informative
Managing Director at Zuger Chemie GmbH
4dAt Zuger Chemie, we proudly supply our customers with TiO2 sourced from China, and I fully support Ms. Paula's vision on this matter. The European market is currently under-equipped to produce sufficient titanium, and imposing duties on imports will only exacerbate the issue, leading to inflation driven by overseas costs—primarily from China. Some companies have already attempted to bypass these regulations by importing raw materials into Malaysia and then re-exporting them under false "Made in Malaysia" certifications, often with the help of lenient customs offices. This is not a sustainable or ethical solution. The correct approach is to prevent unnecessary inflation for consumers, who are already burdened by rising oil and gas prices due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. It’s crucial that we protect consumers from further price shocks, rather than adding to their financial strain.