Shortening and simplifying EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations with a view to practices favourable for SMEs

Publications

31 Jul 2025

Trade & Macro

External Publications

Jan Hagemejer

Jan Hagemejer

Macroeconomics and Trade Director
Jan Hagemejer’s areas of expertise are international trade as well as macroeconomic and structural issues. He graduated from University of Warsaw where he also obtained his PhD and habilitation, as well as from Purdue University (MA in Economics). He works as an associate professor at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw. Prior to … <a href="https://case-research.eu/publications/shortening-and-simplifying-eu-anti-dumping-and-anti-subsidy-investigations-with-a-view-to-practices-favourable-for-smes/">Continued</a>

Articles from this author:
- Future outlook of EU-Moldova trade and investment relations
  This study explores the evolution and prospects of economic relations between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova.
- An update on the economic, sustainability and regulatory effects of the trade part of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement
- The Brewing Industry in Poland. Impact on the Polish Economy. 2025 Edition
Author’s articles

The study examines the effectiveness of the EU’s trade defence instruments (TDI), including anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures designed to counter unfair foreign trade practices while adhering to WTO rules. These instruments aim to protect EU industries from market distortions such as dumping and state subsidies, and the EU framework exceeds WTO standards by distinct features like the ‘lesser duty rule’ and the ‘Union interest test’ to balance protection with broader economic interests.

Following the 2018 modernisation, the TDI system became more transparent and faster, with increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nevertheless, SMEs still face challenges due to the complexity of investigations and insufficient resources. While tools like the SME Helpdesk and tailored guides exist, the study highlights the need for more practical, case-specific support and for preventing the misuse of the SME label by larger firms.

Empirical evidence suggests that TDI have helped protect approximately 500,000 jobs in key sectors such as steel, ceramics, renewable energy, and chemicals. However, they may also lead to increased prices, reduced competition, and limited efficiency. In many cases, targeted imports are replaced by goods from third countries, shifting rather than reducing market pressure. The study recommends faster timelines, extended safeguard measures, and the integration of environmental and social dumping criteria. It also draws on international practices – such as New Zealand’s public interest tests, Canada’s cost assessments, and the United States’ expedited procedures – as models to improve EU TDI.

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Shortening and simplifying EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations with a view to practices favourable for SMEs

Jan Hagemejer

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