Nonwovens industry warns of risks in EU-US trade tensions

发布日期：2025-03-26 作者：Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) 点击：

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EDANA, representing over 250 companies in the nonwovens sector, has warned that proposed EU countermeasures to recent US tariffs could harm essential supply chains.
Highlighting reliance on US fluff pulp—over 80 per cent of EU imports—EDANA has urged the European Commission to avoid actions that would raise costs, disrupt supplies, and impact vulnerable communities.

EDANA, the leading global association representing the nonwovens and related industries, has expressed concern over the European Commission’s potential decision to implement countermeasures in response to recently imposed US tariffs on EU steel, aluminium, and certain derived products.

As the representative voice of more than 250 companies across the nonwovens supply chain, EDANA is closely monitoring the developments and assessing how retaliatory measures may affect its members and the broader industry.

Nonwovens — innovative, high-tech fabrics made from fibres — are integral to a wide array of essential products, from surgical masks and baby nappies to disinfectant wipes and automotive insulation. They play a vital role in hygiene, healthcare, construction, filtration, and other critical sectors.

While EDANA acknowledges the European Commission’s intent to protect affected EU industries, the association has joined others in voicing serious concerns about the potential unintended repercussions of any retaliatory action.

One key area of concern highlighted by EDANA is the potential disruption to the supply of fluff pulp, a crucial raw material used in absorbent hygiene products due to its high absorbency rate. Fluff pulp is essential for the production of baby nappies, menstrual products, and incontinence items — all of which support vulnerable groups including the elderly, women, and young children.

In 2024, the United States accounted for more than 80 per cent of the fluff pulp imported into the European Union. Any trade barriers affecting this supply could result in higher production costs, increased product prices, and significant strain on the supply chain, placing EU manufacturers at a global competitive disadvantage.

EDANA emphasised the importance of the EU-US relationship and called for constructive negotiations rather than retaliatory measures that could escalate trade tensions.

“The European Commission has the opportunity to avoid a harmful cycle of retaliatory tariffs that could have a net negative effect on both economies,” EDANA said in a statement. “We urge policymakers to consider the broader economic and social impacts on downstream industries and avoid actions that could exacerbate existing inequalities.”

The association welcomed the chance to participate in ongoing consultations and reiterated its commitment to a solution that safeguards both industrial competitiveness and social welfare across the EU.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)