Authored by Remix News Staff via Remix News,
With deaths accelerating in Europe due to a rapidly aging population, observers might expect a "silver lining" in at least one area of the economy: coffin production. However, just as with many other industries, China is even eating into this market share, helping result in dozens of coffin producers to go out of business in recent years.
European coffin manufacturers have now formed a coalition and are preparing a formal anti-dumping complaint against Chinese imports, arguing that low prices and alleged customs loopholes are eroding a traditional industry tied to predictable demand.
The number of European coffin producers has fallen from about 120 to 90 over the past five years, with smaller firms largely unable to compete, according to Folco Ciulli, a consultant coordinating the effort. Surviving companies have absorbed only about half the output of those that closed, he told Politico. The coalition, which previously lacked dedicated lobby representation, has met with European Commission officials, including from the trade department, organizers told Politico.
Chinese coffins are simply cheaper, costing approximately one-third less in Italy, even when using the same type of wood. Experts attribute the gap to state subsidies, lower labor costs, and cheape
