Europe’s Coffin Makers Face “Death Knell” as Cheap Chinese Imports Surge

The trade tensions between the European Union and China have reached an unexpected sector: coffins. After disputes over electric vehicles, steel and other industrial goods, European coffin manufacturers are preparing a formal anti-dumping complaint with the European Commission. They argue that low-priced Chinese imports are threatening the survival of their businesses.

Industry under severe pressure

According to consultant Folco Ciulli, who is coordinating the complaint, the number of coffin manufacturers across Europe has fallen from roughly 120 to 90 in the past five years—meaning about one in four companies has closed. Smaller factories were hit hardest, unable to match imported prices. The remaining producers have absorbed only about half of the output lost when the others shut down.

The core issue is the cost gap. European manufacturers estimate that a coffin can be produced in China for about one-third the cost of an equivalent product in Italy, even when similar timber is used. They point to lower wages, cheaper raw materials, possible state subsidies and export-related tax advantages as the main reasons. Some reports cite production costs of around €260 in Italy versus roughly €80 in China, allowing Chinese coffins to be sold in Europe for €100–110.

The unexplained 30,000-coffin gap

Beyond prices, producers are examining an anomaly in the Italian market. Mathematician Emiliano Ingusio, commissioned by the sector, identified a discrepancy equivalent to about 30,000 coffins a year. The figure comes from comparing domestic production, imports, exports and consumption. Because coffin demand is tightly linked to the number of deaths—which can be calculated with reasonable precision—the gap has raised questions about how some imports are being recorded.

Suspected “IKEA loophole” and other practices

Manufacturers suspect that some Chinese coffins enter Europe without being properly classified as finished coffins. One practice under scrutiny has been nicknamed the “IKEA loophole”: products arrive flat-packed or in pieces, declared as wooden components, and are later assembled and sold as complete coffins. Another possible method involves declaring coffins as packaging or containers for other goods.

These remain suspicions rather than proven customs violations. The European Commission has noted that, under international rules, an unassembled product can still be treated as complete for customs purposes if it has the essential characteristics of the finished item.

What is required for duties

The newly formed coalition (which previously lacked dedicated lobby representation) has already held talks with European Commission officials and is assembling a formal file. Proving that Chinese products are cheaper is not sufficient. To obtain anti-dumping duties, manufacturers must demonstrate three things:

• Chinese products are sold in the EU below their normal value
• European producers are suffering material injury
• There is a clear causal link between the imports and the industry’s losses

The Commission has declined to confirm specific contacts, stating that such discussions are confidential. It has pointed out that the EU already maintains more than 200 trade defence measures and launched 32 new investigations in 2025. In January, duties of 56–60% were imposed on Chinese candles.

A traditional sector now in the spotlight

The case illustrates how the broader EU-China trade dispute has moved beyond high-tech and heavy industry into long-established manufacturing sectors with relatively predictable demand. European coffin makers, facing a market that continues to grow with population trends but is under intense price pressure, are now seeking protection through the EU’s trade defence tools.

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