EU members push for China tariffs

European commissioners from Italy, Germany and France have called for punitive tariffs on air compressors in response to concerns that China is dumping the products in Europe below cost price, the Financial Times reported. The commissioners are looking to overrule a previous decision by British trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, who recommended against the imposition of duties. China, which holds 50% of the European market for these devices, would be forced to pay US$44 million in duties annually under the terms the commissioners are pushing for. Italian air compressor producers, whose complaints had launched the discussion, stand to benefit an estimated US$10.4 million.