19-02-2008
BRC expresses concern over EU candle investigation
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The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has issued a warning relating to a European Union (EU) investigation into low-cost candles from China.
According to the BRC, should the EU's anti-dumping investigation lead to the introduction of new duties, Chinese candles could rise in price by as much as 50 per cent.
Generally, the term dumping is used to define the practice of exporting products at a price, either below the cost of production, or at a rate lower than the level charged within the product's domestic market.
"The [EU] talks about the benefits of free trade but, yet again, does exactly the opposite," said Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC.
"Like a parent constantly indulging a spoilt child, the EU repeatedly featherbeds uncompetitive producers at the expense of consumers and retailers."
The investigation was implemented by the European commission's commissioner on trade, following complaints by a number of the bloc's candle manufacturers.
Earlier trade-related disputes with China have involved products ranging from bras to shoes.