With deaths accelerating in Europe due to a rapidly aging population, observers might expect to 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 coffin 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 cheaper timber, among other factors.
Higher U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have also redirected some production toward Europe, the group contends. The coalition is compiling cost data on materials, labor and factory-gate prices for the comparison, in order to China is dumping coffin products.
A 2025 European Parliament question raised similar concerns, stating that Chinese imports accounted for about 60 percent of the Italian market. It cited production costs of roughly €260 in Italy versus €80 in China, enabling sales in Europe of €100-110, and alleged the use of toxic paints banned in the EU that release carcinogenic particles during cremation. It asked whether the Commission would open an anti-dumping probe and impose duties, and how it would enforce environmental and health standards.
Industry analysis points to statistical gaps that could indicate under-recorded imports. Mathematician Emiliano Inguscio, hired by the producers, calculated an unexplained surplus of about 30,000 coffins a year in Italy alone.
Producers suspect two practices: an “IKEA loophole” in which flat-packed coffins arrive classified as wooden parts and are assembled in the EU, and imports registered as packaging for other goods rather than as finished products. A Commission spokesperson confirmed that unassembled goods may still be treated as finished products under customs rules if their essential characteristics are recognizable, so flat-packed coffins should not automatically qualify as mere components.
The effort follows an earlier appeal by EU lawmakers to Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who indicated the industry could file a formal complaint. A Commission spokesperson said the EU maintains more than 200 trade defense measures and takes action against unfairly traded imports, while declining to confirm specific meetings because contacts on potential complaints are confidential.
Coffin makers point to a recent precedent. In January 2026, the Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties of 56 percent to 60 percent on Chinese candles, tapers and similar products after finding dumped imports had injured an EU industry of roughly 9,000 workers across about 80 companies. The duties, set for five years, followed a 2024 investigation.
The case sits within a broader rise in EU trade protectionism and defense. The Commission’s 2025 report recorded 32 new investigations, close to the prior year’s high, protecting hundreds of thousands of jobs across sectors including chemicals and steel. Officials have described increased scrutiny of state-supported imports as a response to harm to European producers.
So far, the EU Commission has not announced an investigation into coffins.
As Remix News has reported, China has not just pulled ahead of Europe in terms of coffins and other lower-value goods, but also in renewable energy, automobile production, AI technology, machine tools, and a range of other high-value industries. As the EU is unable to directly compete, it has increasingly resorted to protectionism.
