Foreign media Lightwave reported that the European Commission (EC) has imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 19.7% to 44% on optical fiber cables imported from Chinese suppliers. This action was taken after the investigation started in December 2020.

The investigation studied the potential dumping of single-mode fiber optic cables (selling imported goods at unreasonably low prices to weaken domestic suppliers) and its hazards from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. The “damage” assessment also includes a review of trends from January 1, 2017 to the end of the investigation period.

According to the survey report, the EU believes that due to the massive subsidies from the Chinese government and other benefits, Chinese fiber optic cable suppliers can sell their products in Europe at artificially low prices—44% lower. In fact, from 2017 to 2020, the price of fiber optic cable per kilometer dropped from 452 Euros to 349 Euros. According to EU investigators, lower prices have allowed Chinese fiber optic cable suppliers to increase their market share in Europe from 14.8% in 2017 to 28.3% in 2021, which is an increase of 91%.

The European Commission disclosed on June 30, 2021 that it plans to conduct an assessment based on the survey results and invite relevant parties to express their opinions. The announcement was made after the end of the comment period.

The amount of tariffs that Chinese import companies must pay will depend on the severity of the abuse of power by a company or group of companies determined by the investigation and whether they cooperate with the investigation. In the 102-page report of the European Commission, relevant information was disclosed on page 97.