European coffin manufacturers call on the European Commission to investigate cheap imports from China, accusing them of unfair competition

European coffin manufacturers are preparing an anti-dumping complaint in Brussels against imports from China, which they claim are being sold at unjustifiably low prices and are seriously harming the local industry. The recently formed coalition has met with European Commission officials and is gathering data to request the opening of an investigation.

Over the past five years, the number of European coffin manufacturers has fallen from approximately 120 to 90, according to consultant Folco Ciulli. The industry estimates that manufacturing a coffin in China costs around one-third as much as producing a similar product in Italy, with the difference attributed to subsidies, lower labor costs and cheaper raw materials.

Manufacturers must demonstrate that dumping exists, that significant injury has occurred and that there is a direct link between imports and losses in the European industry. They are also investigating a possible “IKEA loophole”: coffins delivered disassembled and declared as wooden components. The Commission states that such products may nevertheless be classified as finished articles. The initiative is part of the expansion of EU-China trade disputes into traditional industries.