Romania: Minister of Economy Radu Miruta has asked the European Commission to consider restricting cement imports from outside the EU, following complaints from local producers about unfair competition. According to Miruta, cement imports from non-EU neighbours have increased sharply, because they benefit from exemptions on environmental standards and carbon certificate costs that EU producers must bear.
The minister has reportedly met with Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director-General of DG Trade at the European Commission, and an official request for the analysis of the imposition of a limit on the quantities of cement imported from non-EU countries will be sent to Brussels. Romanian cement producers argue that cheaper imports are eroding competitiveness and threatening domestic output. The European Commission has the power to investigate and, if necessary, introduce safeguards to protect EU industry from market distortions caused by imports.
