(1)

On 14 August 2014 the European Commission (‘the Commission’) announced by a notice published in the Official Journal of the European Union (2) (‘the Notice of initiation’), the initiation of an anti-subsidy proceeding with regard to imports into the Union of stainless steel cold-rolled flat products originating in the People's Republic of China (‘the anti-subsidy proceeding’).

(2)

The anti-subsidy proceeding was initiated following a complaint lodged on 1 July 2014 by Eurofer (‘the complainant’) on behalf of Union producers representing more than 25 % of the total Union production of stainless steel cold-rolled flat products.

(3)

The complaint contained prima facie evidence of subsidisation of the said product and of material injury resulting therefrom, which was considered sufficient to justify the initiation of a proceeding.

(4)

The Commission officially advised the complainant, other known Union producers, the known exporting producers in the People's Republic of China (‘the PRC’), the authorities in the PRC, known importers, suppliers and users, traders, as well as associations known to be concerned about the initiation of the investigation and invited them to participate. Interested parties were given the opportunity to make their views known in writing and to request a hearing within the time limit set in the Notice of initiation.

(5)

On 26 June 2014 the Commission announced by a notice published in the Official Journal of the European Union (3) the initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of stainless steel cold-rolled flat products originating in the PRC and Taiwan pursuant to Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (4) (‘the basic anti-dumping Regulation’).

(6)

On 24 March 2015 the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/501 (5) imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of stainless steel cold-rolled flat products originating in the PRC and Taiwan. The investigation is ongoing.

(7)

Following a request by the complainant supported by the required evidence, the Commission adopted on 15 December 2014 Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1331/2014 (6) making imports of stainless steel cold-rolled flat products originating in the PRC and Taiwan subject to registration as of 17 December 2014.

(8)

The registration of imports for the purpose of the parallel anti-dumping investigation was discontinued by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/501. The registration of imports for the purpose of the anti-subsidy proceeding continued.

(9)

By letter of 11 May 2015 addressed to the Commission, the complainant formally withdrew its complaint.

(10)

In accordance with Article 14(1) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation, when the complainant withdraws its complaint, the proceeding may be terminated unless such termination would not be in the Union interest.

(11)

The Commission considered that the present anti-subsidy proceeding should be terminated since the respective investigation had not brought to light any consideration showing that such termination would not be in the Union interest. Interested parties were informed accordingly and were given an opportunity to comment. The Commission received no comments which would lead to the conclusion that such termination would not be in the Union interest.

(12)

The Commission therefore concludes that the anti-subsidy proceeding concerning imports into the Union of stainless steel cold-rolled flat products originating in the PRC should be terminated without the imposition of measures.

(13)

In view of the above, the registration of imports for the purpose of the anti-subsidy investigation in accordance with Article 24(5) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation should be discontinued. Therefore, Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1331/2014 should be repealed.

(14)

This Regulation is in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009,