China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) voiced regret on Friday over anti-dumping applications against Chinese steel products by the Eurofer (European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries), and hoped the European Commission would restrain to adopt anti-dumping measures.

The Eurofer filed applications against China's hot-dipping galvanized steel sheet and cold rolled stainless steel sheet and strip on Monday, and it will also apply for anti-dumping measures against China's wire rod and thick steel plate in weeks.

A spokesman of the ministry said China's steel exports, though increased this year, were kept in a stable price. "China's exports met the demand of European market. If the EU imposed anti-dumping duties on China's steel products, it would harm Europe itself."

He also said EU's steel industry kept a good growth, and was "not harmed by China's exports."

He stressed that China would like to solve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, and encourage cooperation and exchanges between the two sides.

According to Eurofer, Chinese steel imports into the EU will reach 10 million tons this year, doubling that of last year.

If an anti-dumping complaint is lodged, the European Commission will have 45 days to decide whether to launch an investigation, which normally takes no more than a year, and in any case must be completed within 15 months.

The commission could then, within 60 days to nine months, impose provisional duties, which may last for six to nine months. After the investigation is completed, the commission could propose definite duties, which have to be approved by a majority of EU member states and usually last five years.

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2007)