New anti-dumping duties on Chinese tableware

The proposal to increase EU anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports, which emerged from a partial review investigation by the EU Commission concluded in October 2025, combats unfair practices that create anti-competitive distortions and have been damaging the ceramic manufacturing industry for years, having already led to the closure of over 60 companies and the loss of almost 10,000 jobs across Europe.
Chinese dumping was proven by the European Commission itself in 2012-2013 and was confirmed by subsequent actions in 2019 and 2025, which documented the continuation of unfair practices. In addition, in 2019, the EU also uncovered attempts to circumvent duties through Chinese companies redirecting exports through other countries. The recurrence of distortive trade practices has, over time, caused structural economic damage to the European ceramic and porcelain tableware industry, which employs 25,000 people on the continent, despite the imposition of duties ranging from 13.1% to 36.1%.

The 2025 investigation, which was conducted with maximum transparency and in compliance with WTO regulations, concluded with the European Commission proposing to apply a 79% duty aimed at restoring fair market conditions. This decision came after finding incredibly high levels of dumping in Chinese imports (as high as 446.5%). Not stopping Chinese economic, environmental and social dumping means favouring a business model based on importing products sold at prices that are incompatible with any European industrial cost. 
The new duty proposed by the Commission protects tableware manufacturers and the quality jobs they provide. The action has also been supported by the artistic ceramics sector and the entire industrial supply chain, which includes ceramic design and pigment manufacturers, suppliers of special high-tech processes, suppliers of precious metals used for decoration and finishing, as well as leading European roasters, for whom the stability of the supply chain and product quality are strategic elements. These businesses collectively employ 5,000 people.

“An industrial model based on economic, social and environmental dumping,” says Amedeo Sala, advisor to Confindustria Ceramica, “poses a serious threat of industrial desertification in Europe, with the associated loss of high-quality jobs and skills. The absence of Italian and European production would make it impossible for consumers to choose in a competitive market.”

"Micro and small businesses and workshops rooted in the local area," says Nadia Carboni, Director of the Italian Association of Ceramic Cities, which represents 60 municipalities that produce artistic and artisanal ceramics, "do not compete on volume, but generate skilled employment, tourism and local identity. Chinese dumping imports have already caused the closure of historic workshops and the loss of unique skills: it is time to act to protect not only the economy, but also the cultural heart of Italian manufacturing."