The Commission has imposed anti-dumping duties on imports into the EU of fused alumina from the People’s Republic of China.
The definitive anti-dumping duties imposed range from 88.7% to 110.6%. Alongside these duties, the Commission introduced a duty-free tariff rate quota that allows a limited volume of Chinese imports to enter the EU without duties. All imports beyond that quota are subject to anti-dumping duties, which will apply for an initial period of five years. This decision was taken on the grounds of the EU’s interest, in light of the exceptional circumstances affecting both the Union industry and the Union industry downstream. The imposition of duties follows an investigation that identified unfair trade practices.
Fused alumina is required for producing steel or other metals, as well as for making glass or ceramics. It is widely used in defence-related applications.
Introducing a duty-free tariff rate quota, which will gradually be reduced over the period of five years, will help safeguard the entire value chain related to fused alumina. This value chain is critically important for Europe’s economic security, strategic autonomy and long-term industrial competitiveness.
The measures will tackle injurious dumping onto the EU market of fused alumina, while preventing the emergence of systemic risks for the industrial ecosystem. They will ensure security of supply to downstream users of fused alumina and reduce the EU’s dependence on China for this strategically important input for European industry. This is the first time that economic security considerations have been taken into account in this manner, in line with the European Commission and the High Representative’s Joint Communication on Strengthening Economic Security of December 2025.
Imposing these duties will help to re-establish fair competitive conditions on the EU market between fused alumina imported from China and the domestically produced product. The EU market for fused alumina is worth €400-500 million. Of a total estimated volume of 380,000 tonnes, imports are estimated to amount to 200,00 tonnes (160,000 of which originate in China).
The EU-based fused alumina industry employs around 1,000 people. It is located in Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia.
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