Insight

MEFDA has continued to develop over the past two years and now includes eleven companies from nine European countries, ranging from Finland to Romania and Portugal.

MEFDA, standing for More EFDA, is a group specifically for fastener importers and distributors from European countries where there is no active national fastener distribution association to represent their interests.

Founded in 2014, the members of MEFDA group have formed a close-knit group of market companions who regularly exchange views on current topics in meetings. First and foremost, of course, the anti-dumping investigation and duties. In the last two years, due to the pandemic, these meetings have taken place online, but at a much closer rhythm than before the pandemic.

At the 7^th European Fastener Distribution Conference held in Madrid  in May, the MEFDA members were finally able to meet and exchange views again after a long time. After the success of this meeting the MEFDA members are planning to meet again on site at a member company.

A big topic for MEFDA members has been the price increases in key areas such as raw materials, freight, and labour, which have had a major impact on members – no matter what country in Europe they are located. To add to this, there is general inflation in all countries, with it being up to 11% in some.

Another big topic for MEFDA members is the recent anti-dumping duties  and, due to the pandemic-related travel restrictions, how it has been practically impossible for members to check or reach new suppliers.

Another very practical problem lies in the safe application of the anti-dumping regulation. Because of the higher and lower tariffs for Chinese screws, it is very important for MEFDA importers to be especially careful not to fall into traps for circumvention within China. It is imperative to minimise business risk when importing fasteners from a Chinese vendor at the lower tariff. This is a major challenge due to the uncertainties inherent in the regulation. EFDA supports MEFDA members with up-to-date information and checklists to try and help them avoid any problems.

Going forward MEFDA will continue to grow to become an even stronger and even more reprentative part of EFDA. The EFDA office will continue to inform the MEFDA members about any news regarding the application of the antidumping duties or any other relvant issues regarding the fastener business.”