Morocco Extends and Increases Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Plywood Imports

Morocco Extends and Increases Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Plywood Imports

Definitive Anti-Dumping Duty Extended

The Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes (ADII) in Morocco has decided to extend its definitive anti-dumping duty on plywood imports from China. This decision, outlined in Joint Decree No. 2178-23 by the Minister of Industry and Trade and the Minister of Economy and Finance, extends the duty until August 28, 2027, and increases the rate from 25% to 76%.

Scope of the Anti-Dumping Duty

This anti-dumping duty applies to plywood imports composed of okoumé wood sheets or various types of wood, with each sheet not exceeding 6mm in thickness. These imports, originating from the People’s Republic of China, are identified under certain tariff positions listed in the decree. This move sets a significant precedent for both importers and consumers, as the duty rate has witnessed a substantial rise.

Impact on Provisional Anti-Dumping Duty

As a result of this decision, the amount deposited as provisional anti-dumping duty, along with its applicable VAT portion, will now be definitively collected. This is in accordance with Circular No. 6362/211, issued on September 7, 2022. The new measure will take effect from September 25, 2023, marking a new chapter in Morocco’s trade defensive measures.

Background on the Anti-Dumping Measures

Morocco’s decision to extend and increase the anti-dumping duty follows a series of investigations into trade practices. The initial anti-dumping and countervailing duties were imposed on Glass Fiber Fabrics (GFF) from China, which allegedly circumvented these duties through imports consigned from Morocco. The extension of the duties to Morocco was essential to enforce trade defense measures on imports of GFF from China and combat unfair trade practices that could harm the EU producers of GFF.

Trade Defence Actions Against Circumvention of Duties

The European Commission, upon receiving complaints about the circumvention of anti-dumping measures, initiated an investigation. The investigation revealed a clear change in the pattern of trade, which lacked sufficient economic justification. The EU institutions concluded that the change in trade stemmed from the imposition of the duty rather than any other sufficient due cause. This led to the extension of the definitive anti-dumping duty to imports consigned from Morocco.

Efforts to Maintain Fair Trade Practices

The extension of the measures to imports from Morocco demonstrates the relentless efforts of the Commission to combat unfair trade practices, including the circumvention of duties. These measures play an instrumental role in maintaining a level playing field in the global trade arena and protecting domestic industries from unfair competition. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to fair trade practices and the potential consequences of circumventing trade defence measures.