European coffin makers prepare trade complaint against Chinese imports

European manufacturers of coffins are organizing a collective complaint to the European Commission, alleging that inexpensive Chinese imports constitute unfair competition and dumping. Coordination lead Folco Ciulli reported that the sector has suffered significant losses over the past five years, with the number of operational European coffin-making businesses declining from approximately 120 to 90. Industry representatives claim that remaining firms have failed to offset the production capacity lost from the shuttered businesses, as small-scale enterprises struggle to compete with non-European pricing.

Industry concerns extend beyond direct pricing, with reports suggesting that some Chinese products may be entering the European market under misrepresented customs classifications to obscure import volumes. This initiative follows previous pressure from members of the European Parliament, who had raised the issue with European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic last year. The Commission had advised them to file a formal trade complaint. An EU spokesperson confirmed that the Union maintains over 200 trade defense measures and is prepared to intervene if the investigation proceeds. The industry is now moving to formally request that Brussels launch an inquiry into the alleged market distortions.