Commission acts against unfairly traded imports of fused alumina

Key development

The Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of fused alumina from the People’s Republic of China, with duties ranging from 88.7% to 110.6%. A duty-free tariff rate quota was introduced to allow a limited volume of Chinese imports to enter the EU without duties while all volumes beyond the quota will face the duties.

Context

The decision follows an investigation that identified unfair trade practices and was taken on the grounds of the EU’s interest because of exceptional circumstances affecting the Union industry and downstream users. Fused alumina is used to produce steel and other metals and to make glass and ceramics and is widely used in defence-related applications.

Details

The measures aim to tackle injurious dumping onto the EU market, re-establish fair competition and prevent systemic risks to the industrial ecosystem, while ensuring security of supply and reducing dependence on China. The EU market is worth €400-500 million, with a total estimated volume of 380,000 tonnes and estimated imports of 200,000 tonnes of which 160,000 tonnes originate in China; the EU industry employs around 1,000 people located in Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia.

Next steps

The anti-dumping duties will apply for an initial period of five years and the duty-free tariff rate quota will be gradually reduced over that five-year period. The decision is presented in line with the European Commission and High Representative Joint Communication on Strengthening Economic Security of December 2025.