EU takes action against dumped imports of food flavour enhancer - European Commission
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Trade and Economic Security
  • News article
  • 11 April 2025
  • Brussels
  • Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security
  • 1 min read

EU takes action against dumped imports of food flavour enhancer

The European Commission has extended its anti-dumping measures on imports of monosodium glutamate (MSG) from China, to cover imports from Malaysia. 

The aim is to shield EU industry by ensuring the full and effective enforcement of existing EU measures on harmful imports of MSG from China. 

An anti-circumvention investigation found that exports of MSG from Malaysia into the EU had increased significantly following the imposition of EU anti-dumping measures on MSG from China. The investigation concluded that this increase was due to evasion of existing EU duties. 

The extension means that anti-dumping duties of 39.7% currently in place on imports of MSG from China will now also cover imports consigned from Malaysia.

The specific circumvention practices uncovered in Malaysia included assembly operations using Chinese raw materials to which less than 25% value was added, as well as transshipment of Chinese MSG via Malaysia.

The extension shows the Commission’s determination to ensure that measures protecting EU industry from unfair trading practices are effectively and fully enforced. 

MSG is a popular seasoning and flavour enhancer, and is widely used to intensify flavours in sauces, soups and other foods.

For more information

Definitive Measures

EU Trade Defence Policy

Details

Publication date
11 April 2025
Author
Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security
Location
Brussels
Country or region
  • China
Trade topics
  • Anti-dumping
  • Importing into the EU
  • Trade defence