European Commission Takes Strong Action AgainstChinese Steel Components
The European Commission has announced significantprovisional anti-dumping duties on steel track shoes imported from China,marking another chapter in ongoing trade tensions between the EU and China inthe steel sector. The decision, announced on April 22, 2025, imposessubstantial tariffs on these specialized components used in constructionmachinery and conveyor systems.
Comprehensive Duty Structure Targets MultipleProduct Configurations
The provisional duties establish a tiered rate structurebased on product configuration:
- A 62.5% duty applies to individual steel track shoesmeasuring up to 3,000mm in length, whether fitted with rubber pads or not
- A 55% duty applies to track shoes imported as assembledtrack groups
- A 50% duty applies to track shoes imported as full trackassemblies
These components are typically used in heavy machinery suchas excavators, bulldozers, and other construction equipment, as well as inindustrial conveyor systems. The targeted products fall under specific CombinedNomenclature codes:
- ex 8431 39 00
- ex 8431 49 20
- ex 8431 49 80
For greater precision, the Commission has designated twelvespecific TARIC codes:
- 8431 39 00 21
- 8431 39 00 25
- 8431 39 00 26
- 8431 39 00 29
- 8431 49 20 11
- 8431 49 20 15
- 8431 49 20 16
- 8431 49 20 19
- 8431 49 80 11
- 8431 49 80 15
- 8431 49 80 16
- 8431 49 80 19
The affected products are components for machinesclassified under headings 8426 (cranes and lifting frames), 8429(self-propelled bulldozers, graders, excavators, etc.), 8430 (other moving,grading, and excavating machinery), or for conveyor belts under heading 8428.
Investigation Timeline and Process
The Commission's decision follows a structuredinvestigation process:
- Investigation period: July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024
- Injury assessment period: January 1, 2021, to June 30,2024
Key Takeaways:
• The European Commission has imposed provisionalanti-dumping duties on steel track shoes imported from China, announced onApril 22, 2025.
• Duty rates vary by product configuration: 62.5% forindividual track shoes, 55% for assembled track groups, and 50% for full trackassemblies.
• The affected products are components for constructionmachinery and conveyor systems, specifically targeting parts for equipmentunder CN headings 8426, 8429, 8430, and conveyor belts under 8428.
• The investigation covers July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024,with an injury assessment period extending back to January 1, 2021.
• Twelve specific TARIC codes are affected, providingprecise targeting of the relevant imported products.
• These provisional measures represent an interim stepwhile authorities complete their investigation to determine whether permanentanti-dumping duties are warranted.
• The substantial duty rates indicate that investigatorsfound significant price differentials between Chinese export prices and fairmarket values.
