CITRIBEL — EU chemical makers face existential threat from Chinese dumping, industry warns

European bulk chemical producers are struggling for survival against a flood of subsidized Chinese imports, with prices for commodities like citric acid falling 40-50% below EU production costs. Belgian producer Citribel is now running at just 60% capacity, with its sales halving since 2019 as Chinese exports to the bloc surged 50%. Industry groups are demanding tougher action, noting the EU's anti-dumping duties of up to 42% are far below the US rate of 156%.