MSSA: European Commission Initiates Major Investigations into Unfair Trading Practices of Dupont Involving Sodium Metal Exports from the United States
2008-08-06 09:41:00
MSSA: European Commission Initiates Major Investigations into Unfair Trading Practices of Dupont Involving Sodium Metal Exports from the United States
POMBLIERE, France–(EMWNews)–At the request of MSSA S.A.S. (“MSSA”
or “Métaux Spéciaux”),
a French supplier of raw materials to the chemical industry, the
European Commission has launched two unfair trade investigations of E.I.
DuPont de Nemours & Co. (“DuPont”)
concerning DuPont’s exports of sodium metal to
the European Union (“EU”).
The Commission is investigating MSSA’s
complaint that DuPont is dumping sodium metal in the EU by selling at an
unfair price that is between 25% to 35% lower than its prices in the
United States and is receiving unfair government subsidies in the range
of 30% to 40%.
Other than DuPont, Métaux Spéciaux
based near Albertville in the French Alps, is the only major producer of
sodium metal, offering products in liquid bulk, solid bricks/ingots and
in specialty grades. Antidumping measures would restore fair competition
in the European market and ensure a long-term and reliable source of
supply for all industrial customers. Without relief from dumped and
subsidized imports from DuPont, MSSA, which has lost up to 35% market
share in Europe over the past five years, will suffer severe harm. If
DuPont’s unfair trading practices are left
unchecked, DuPont possibly would drive MSSA out of business, leaving
DuPont in a monopoly position.
If DuPont’s unfair trade actions are not
stopped, it could jeopardize MSSA’s plans for
exciting future applications of sodium metal for green and clean energy
applications. Métaux Spéciaux
has long been, thanks to the high purity of its sodium, a pioneer in the
development of new applications for sodium metal, such as sodium sulfur
batteries for storing solar or wind energy and nuclear reactors (4th
generation and Fast Breeders). MSSA remains the unique supplier for
these applications. MSSA also is active in the development of a new
process for the production of titanium metal used to manufacture
lighter, more energy-efficient aircraft and also supplies sodium for the
production of silicon for photovoltaic solar panels.
Sodium metal (Na) is used in a wide range of applications as an
intermediate product in the manufacture of chemicals and
pharmaceuticals, and in metal refining. It is widely employed to
manufacture agricultural chemicals, dyes, indigo, nylon synthetic
fibers, rubber compounds, and flavors and fragrances, and to produce
pharmaceutical products such as barbiturates, vitamins A and C, and
ibuprofen. In metal manufacturing, sodium metal is needed to produce
pure metals such as titanium, tantalum, hafnium, and zirconium. Other
metal industry uses include silicon manufacturing; refining metallic
lead, silver, and zinc; alloying metals; and steel de-scaling via sodium
hydride.
The European Commission is expected to announce the preliminary
determination of its investigation in April 2009.
Frédéric Chaminant Director |
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