It is reported that European steel users would face supply shortage if the European Union takes anti dumping measures against importing steel from China.

Mr Adrian Harris secretary general of European engineering association Orgalime in an exclusive interview with Xinhua said that "I am a little bit surprised by the decision."

Mr Harris said that a preliminary analysis made by his organization actually found no dumping in the case. He said "We are not against fair competition, but it should be fundamentally free and fair trade if there is no dumping. We will wait and see."

Mr Harris said the EU steel users need Chinese steel products to meet their demand since the European market is now under supplied, causing high prices for consumers and record profits for local steelmakers. He said "The market needs to be adequately supplied.¡±

According to Orgalime, the EU's engineering industry uses about two thirds of steel produced in Europe but has to rely on imports due to a lack of supply from local steelmakers. It said that the relatively cheap Chinese steel has helped EU industry to maintain competitiveness on the markets.

Earlier on Friday, the European Commission published its decision in the EU Official Journal to launch an anti dumping investigation into certain hot dipped metallic-coated iron or steel flat rolled products imported from China.

Orgalime represents national groups, including big steel consumers such as Siemens, ABB and Alcatel Lucent plus many smaller firms.