Europe Proposes Tariffs on Chinese Tile

Brussels, Belgium, July 21, 2011 -- Imported Chinese ceramic tiles will be subject to import duties at European borders until 2016, under plans created by the European Union's Executive Commission, Reuters reported.

Duties of up to 69.7% will be placed on $390 billion worth of Chinese bathroom, kitchen and paving tiles.

The EU claims the tiles are being exported to Europe at illegally low prices, hurting local manufacturers.

The antidumping duties are expected to gain approval from EU government representatives next week and take effect in mid-September.

Fears of increased Chinese competition have prompted a price war, according to the European Ceramic Tile Manufacturers' Federation, which asked the Commission to investigate Chinese export practices last year.

Under the proposal, some Chinese producers will face duties of between 26.3 and 36.5%, while other Chinese producers will face the maximum 69.7% duty.