BEIJING: Beijing has accused the European Union of “protectionist” behaviour after Brussels imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel products, as it seeks to protect struggling steel makers in Europe. The EU Commission said Friday it would impose taxes of between 30.7% and 64.9% on certain Chinese steel products which it says are being sold at a loss in Europe. ”Imprudently taking protectionist measures is just another attack on international trade,” a ministry official said last Friday in a statement. The targeted products are used to join steel pipes and tubes, and are commonly used in industries such as food processing and shipbuilding as well as energy and construction. The EU has had a series of trade disputes with China, its second-largest trading partner, but is also seeking to resolve the stand-off over steel with Beijing through the OECD, the Paris-based group of developed economies.

Source: The Star January 29, 2017 21:33 UTC