European hand pallet truck manufacturers have accused Chinese manufacturers of "dumping" cheap products on the market, in contravention of European Commission (EC) rules.
Manufacturers have complained to the EC that dumping of Chinese products has negatively impacted financial performance, margins and employment.
The EC said in a statement it was approached in March by four European manufacturers "representing ... 60%" of the industry, claiming imports of Chinese hand pallet trucks and parts were being dumped, causing "material injury" to the European manufacturers. Manufacturers contacted by Forkliftaction.com News would not confirm their involvement in the action.
The complaint claims breaches of EC regulation 384/96 (1995), which was introduced to apply an "anti-dumping duty" to any dumped product. A product is deemed to have been dumped if its export price is less than established rules for like products from the export country.
"On this basis, the dumping margin calculated is significant," the EC statement said.
"The complainant has provided evidence that imports from China have increased overall in absolute terms and in terms of market share.
"It is alleged that the volumes and prices of the imported product concerned have, among other consequences, had a negative impact on market share held, quantities sold and the level of prices charged by the industry, resulting in substantial adverse effects on overall performance, the financial situation and the employment situation of the industry."
The EC said the complaint involved an "apparent large number of parties" and that it would study a sample of the companies involved.
The investigation, which involves submissions from complaining companies, a study of companies accused of breaches, and hearings, would be concluded within 15 months, the EC said.