EU countermeasures on US fluff pulp could drive up prices for essential hygiene products
EDANA, the leading European trade association for the nonwoven and hygiene products industries, has expressed concern over the European Commission’s potential decision to implement countermeasures in response to recently imposed US tariffs. One of the key measures under consideration involves targeting US-origin fluff pulp, a critical raw material used in manufacturing essential hygiene products, such as diapers, menstrual products, and adult incontinence products.
Fluff pulp plays a vital role in these products, providing the absorbency that is crucial for their effectiveness. It is particularly important for baby diapers, feminine care products, and adult incontinence items, all of which are essential for the health, dignity, and daily well-being of millions of Europeans, including babies, women, and elderly citizens.
In Belgium, a report from La Libre, one of the country’s leading newspapers, highlighted the significance of fluff pulp in the production of absorbent hygiene products. Around 90% of fluff pulp is used in these products, and the vast majority of global supply comes from the United States. With the US accounting for over 80% of global production, there are no alternative suppliers that can meet European demand in terms of both volume and regulatory compliance.
Should the European Union impose duties on US fluff pulp, it would lead to significant increases in manufacturing costs for European producers of hygiene products. These increased costs would, in turn, raise prices for essential products that millions of consumers rely on daily. Families, particularly those with limited financial resources, would face an added burden from these rising prices.
The impact would extend beyond consumers. European manufacturers would be placed at a disadvantage, struggling with rising input costs while competitors from outside the EU could continue exporting finished hygiene products into Europe without facing similar price increases. This situation threatens jobs within the European manufacturing sector and could jeopardize the long-term stability of the region’s production capabilities.
The global market situation exacerbates the issue. Less than half of the EU’s demand for fluff pulp can be met through sources outside the United States. This dependence on US-origin pulp creates a unique challenge for European manufacturers, making it difficult to replace the material from other regions.
EDANA urges policymakers to exclude fluff pulp (CN code 47032100) from any countermeasures. Ensuring continued access to essential hygiene products, supporting European manufacturers, and minimizing the hardship for vulnerable consumers should remain a priority in any decision regarding these tariffs.
