(1)

On 17 May 2005, the Commission received a complaint concerning the alleged injurious dumping of imports of silicon carbide originating in Romania.

(2)

The complaint was lodged by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) on behalf of Community producers representing 100 % of the total Community production of silicon carbide pursuant to Articles 4(1) and 5(4) of the basic Regulation.

(3)

The complaint contained prima facie evidence of the existence of dumping and of material injury resulting therefrom, which was considered sufficient to justify the initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding.

(4)

The Commission, by a notice (notice of initiation) published in the Official Journal of the European Union (2), accordingly initiated an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports into the Community of silicon carbide, currently classifiable within CN code 2849 20 00 and originating in Romania.

(5)

The Commission officially advised the exporting producers, importers and associations of importers or exporters known to be concerned, the representatives of the exporting country, users, consumer organisations and the complainant Community producers of the initiation of the investigation. Interested parties were given the opportunity to make their views known in writing and to request a hearing within the time limit set out in the notice of initiation and questionnaires were sent to all parties concerned.

(6)

On 1 March 2006 CEFIC formally withdrew its complaint.

(7)

In accordance with Article 9(1) of the basic Regulation, the proceeding may be terminated where the complaint is withdrawn, unless such termination would not be in the Community interest.

(8)

The Commission considered that the present proceeding should be terminated since the investigation had not brought to light any considerations showing that such termination would not be in the Community interest. Interested parties were informed accordingly and were given the opportunity to comment. No comments were received indicating that such termination would not be in the Community interest.

(9)

The Commission therefore concludes that the anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports into the Community of silicon carbide originating in Romania should be terminated without the imposition of anti-dumping measures,