Introduction

Abstract

The international trade system is facing multiple challenges, including the changed environment international trade operates in and growing scepticism regarding the benefits of free trade. In a reaction to these challenges, the EU has modernised its rules on measures against dumped and subsidised imports. The imposition of trade defence measures under the Basic Anti-Dumping Regulation and the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation is intended to ensure fairness in competition between the EU producers and their foreign counterparts. Yet, account should be taken of the fact that the imposition of trade defence measures impacts competition and might even produce restrictive effects on competition, such as increases in the prices of goods. This study examines this interface between trade defence and competition as defined by the EU legal framework, with an emphasis on the impact of the EU’s reform of its trade defence instruments.