Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
238. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 16 December 2025, if tariffs are to be introduced; the rate and the date (details supplied); if tariffs will be backdated; if imports will be affected; if there will be 'countervailing duties'; in addition for any further update he has on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the European Commission launched an anti-dumping investigation in May 2025 into Chinese imports of new pneumatic tyres for passenger cars and light lorries after a complaint was received from the Coalition Against Unfair Tyre Imports on behalf of EU tyre producers. The investigation aims to determine if the Chinese imported tyres are being sold at artificially low prices, causing harm to the EU's domestic tyre industry. Where the investigation confirms dumping, the EU may impose anti-dumping duties on these tyres. The investigation shall be concluded within 14 months of its launch.
While the investigation is ongoing, there is a risk that stockpiles of tyres under investigation may be imported prior to the conclusion of the investigation, thus avoiding any potential anti-dumping duty. To avoid this scenario, the EU advised customers of the possibility that anti-dumping could be applied retrospectively, up to a maximum of nine months after goods are imported.
To ensure that importers do not inadvertently import tyres which might be liable to retrospective anti-dumping duty, each customs administration in the EU is obliged to review all import declarations of goods under investigation. Revenue has reviewed all such declarations in the Revenue import system, AIS, since 29 July 2025, the date from which retrospective duties may be charged.
Revenue has contacted each importer to get written confirmation from them that they are aware of the potential anti-dumping duty charges pending the completion of the EU investigation. This ensures that all importers are aware of the potential additional tax that they may have to pay in the future if the EU applies ADD to these goods retrospectively. The conditions for retroactive collection of duties, if any, will be included in the regulation imposing definitive duties.
I am informed that the EU’s investigation remains ongoing, potentially to July 2026. The Deputy should note that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is the lead Government Department in regard to discussions at meetings on the Trade Defence Measures covering anti-dumping duty, and so may be best placed to provide an update on those discussions.
