EDANA, the Brussels-based association representing the nonwovens and hygiene industry, has raised serious concerns about the European Commission’s potential countermeasures against recent US-imposed tariffs—particularly the proposal to target US-origin fluff pulp (CN code 47032100).
In a statement issued on 18 July 2025, EDANA warned that imposing duties on US fluff pulp would significantly raise manufacturing costs for absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) such as baby diapers, menstrual products, and adult incontinence items—products vital for the health and dignity of babies, women, and the elderly across Europe.
Currently, the United States supplies over 80% of the world’s fluff pulp, and roughly 90% of that material goes into AHPs. Europe lacks alternative sources that can meet demand at scale while adhering to strict regulatory standards. If the EU were to impose duties, it would increase prices for essential hygiene products and hurt European manufacturers, who would face input cost hikes without reciprocal burdens on non-EU exporters.
EDANA emphasizes the economic and social risks: from squeezing household budgets during high inflation to threatening local jobs and undermining Europe’s industrial resilience. The association is urging EU policymakers to exclude fluff pulp from any retaliatory tariff list, citing its irreplaceability and critical role in ensuring public health and dignity.