A group of 13 leading UK retailers, all members of the British Retail Consortium (BRC; www.brc.org.uk), has urged EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson to drop plans for anti-dumping duties on imports of plastic bags from China. The group, which includes Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury´s and Asda, argues that retailers would be forced to participate in a “policy that favours uncompetitive European producers at the expense of consumers.” Whilst acknowledging the emotional nature of the effects of trade globalisation, the retailers criticise European bag manufacturers for failing to implement the efficient, responsive and socially responsible supply chains that have been developed in China.

The European Commission launched an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into the import of PE bags in July 2005 after complaints were filed by more than 35 EU converters. The scope of the investigation, which followed allegations that bags were being dumped at margins of over 70% and with a subsidy of more than 30%, covered vest carrier, fruit and vegetable, freezer, retail and similar bags, but not heavy duty sacks. Countries named were China, Malaysia and Thailand. The BRC told Plasteurope.com that, in a brief response, Mandelson agreed that action should be taken and that it will be. However, the commissioner has not yet stated what type of action he envisages.