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Nine Chinese TV Producers Face Up to EU's Anti-dumping Complaint
Nine major Chinese television manufacturers have expressed their willingness to face the European Union (EU) square in a lawsuit EU accuse them of dumping their products in Europe.
The nine producers, including Changhong, Xoceco, TCL, Haier, Hisense, Konka, Skyworth, Panda and Furi, control about 90 per cent of China's domestic TV market.
Ever since 1988, EU has started its investigation into allegation that China's colour television producers sold their products in European market at a price below cost. In July 1991, and in March 1995, EU twice resorted to hefty tariff measures and shut the door to big-screen and small-screen Chinese-made televisions.
And, in November 1998, EU took another stern measure to charge 44.6 per cent tariff on Chinese television sets alleged of dumping in Europe.
An official with China's Association of Home Appliances told chinadaily.com.cn reporters that EU's exorbitant tariff policy towards Chinese TV sets is unfair, and to date it has received replies from the above-mentioned nine producers who said would fight the EU anti-dumping allegation to the end.
If they are successful in persuading the arbitration, the nine Chinese plants will enjoy lowered rates from EU, while other which did not reply to the EU complaint will continue to face the 44.6 per cent high rate, the official said.
It is learned that up to 25 million TV sets could be sold on the European market, with 10-15 million have to be imported from areas outside Europe. The EU is an alluring market for China's booming colour TV sector, supported by mature technology and low labour cost, the official said.
Some analysts said quite a number of Chinese manufacturers were not familiar with relevant laws and regulations on dumping charges in Europe, and for this reason, their inaction to face up to complaints raised by their Europeans counterparts, has inflicted upon them losses of lofty profits and market share.
Chinese enterprises ought to work out a comprehensive and long-range development strategy, bear the importance of anti-dumping campaign in mind and be on the alert against any possible anti-dumping measures, in order to protect their legitimate rights and interests on the international markets, some experts suggested.
Anti-dumping suits could be a legion when China becomes a full member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which is expected to take place later this year, they said.
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