March 21, 2025, Brussels – The European Commission’s possible decision to enact countermeasures in reaction to the recently imposed US tariffs is acknowledged by EDANA, the premier international organisation representing the nonwovens and associated industries.
on steel, aluminium, and certain derivatives made in the EU. We are keeping a careful eye on the ramifications of these actions and how they can affect our members as the spokesperson for more than 250 businesses in the nonwovens supply chain.
Innovative, high-tech, fiber-based engineered textiles are known as nonwovens. They can be found alone or in conjunction with other materials in a vast array of consumer and industrial products. They supply necessary components for personal care items, uses in the construction, automotive, filtration, and medical sectors. With uses ranging from surgical masks and wound dressings to infant nappies, disinfection wipes, and high-performance insulation, they are essential to maintaining public health, safety, and industrial efficiency.
EDANA joins many who are already voicing serious concerns about the possible unforeseen repercussions of these countermeasures on our industry, even as we applaud the intention to protect the interests of EU industries impacted by the US tariffs.
The relationship between the US and the EU is crucial, and we think that talks to find a win-win settlement should be the main priority. Avoiding growing trade tensions that can cause long-term damage to sectors on the on both sides of the Atlantic.
adverse impact on essential raw materials
The possible impact of these countermeasures on vital raw materials, such fluff pulp, is one particular area of worry. Fluff pulp, often known as pulp-based fibres, is a naturally occurring raw Because of its high rate of absorption, this substance is utilised in the absorbent core of absorbent hygiene items. Fluff pulp is used in incontinence products, menstruation products, and baby nappies to absorb and hold onto bodily fluids. Over 80% of the fluff pulp imported into the EU in 2024 came from the US1. This is but one illustration of the wider effects that these actions might have on the sector. These actions may result in greater manufacturing expenses, higher final
product costs, interruptions in the supply chain, and a disadvantage for European nonwoven producers in international markets.
In conclusion
It is crucial to emphasise that these suggested policies run the potential of being unjust because they will disproportionately affect our society’s most vulnerable citizens, such as the women, young families with children, the elderly, and those in hospitals. To prevent making inequality worse, any regulatory reforms should carefully evaluate their societal repercussions.
In light of these worries, EDANA requests that the European Commission thoroughly evaluate the financial effects on downstream businesses to make sure that industries that depend heavily on imported raw materials are not disproportionately affected by countermeasures. We I am grateful for the chance to participate in the current consultation process and fervently support a well-rounded strategy that protects European business while preserving equitable and open trade relations with the US. The European Commission has the chance to stop a damaging spiral of retaliatory tariffs that might negatively impact both economies overall.