THE ceramic tile sector, which exports more than 80% of its turnover and is among the most internationalised in Europe, welcomes the conclusion of negotiations for the free trade agreement between the European Union and India, says Confindustria Ceramica.
As a long-standing supporter of trade liberalisation, the Italian ceramic industry hopes this treaty, like all EU agreements, will ensure full reciprocity and adequate protection for the most exposed sectors.
For the agreement to be fair and sustainable, it must include high regulatory standards, especially around environmental and social issues. It must also contain strong safeguard measures to protect against unfair competition. This is particularly important for ceramic tiles, as dumping practices in Indian exports to the EU still continue, as confirmed by the European Commission. Anti-dumping duties have been in place on these products since 2023, alongside the current 5% general (‘erga omnes’) duty.
In this context, removing this basic duty for ceramic tile tariff lines wouldn’t only be illogical, but would also weaken existing trade defence measures, effectively rewarding unfair and abusive behaviour. This would harm the competitiveness of the Italian and European ceramic tile sector, which already faces strong pressure from an aggressive Indian industry. That industry is marked by significant overcapacity, which is increasingly being pushed into European markets under dumping conditions, says Confindustria Ceramica.
It adds: ‘For this reason, Italian manufacturers are calling on institutions to ensure that, in the final phase of negotiations, a realistic balance is struck between opening and protecting business interests and quality employment supported by Europe’s industrial districts.’
www.confindustriaceramica.it
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