How did we deal with the anti-dumping duties imposed by the EU on candles imported from China?

On August 14, 2025, the European Commission issued an official notice announcing the initial anti-dumping ruling on candles manufactured in China. For Tabo Candle, the ruling set a relatively low anti-dumping duty rate of 55.5% compared to other affected brands—but even this rate has posed significant challenges to our business operations, supply chain dynamics, and market positioning in Europe. As a brand deeply committed to serving our European clients with integrity and excellence, we recognize that this development demands proactive, strategic action rather than passive adaptation. Our response is rooted in clarity, strategic responsibility, and an unwavering dedication to our partners—and we are moving swiftly to mitigate disruptions while unlocking new opportunities for mutual growth.

To ensure the continuous provision of high-quality services to European customers during the transformation, we have implemented two immediate and effective key measures:

1. Comprehensive Duty Paid Delivery (DDP) service: We have established a professional transportation and customs clearance team, whose members have rich experience in interpreting EU trade regulations and operating logistics networks. The team will be responsible for the entire transportation process - from warehouse pickup to final delivery, covering all customs duties, taxes, and clearance fees in advance. By simplifying these complex processes, we significantly reduce the administrative burden and unexpected expenses on our customers, ensuring smooth procurement processes and cost predictability even in the event of tariff adjustments.

2. Production base and supply chain layout: In order to achieve diversified production layout and improve supply stability, our factory strictly follows the standards of unified quality and sustainable development. Nowadays, we can directly avoid trade barriers while maintaining stable quality that our partners trust.

Tapo Aromatherapy Candles participates in current industry dialogues (including anti-dumping related discussions) with a transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving attitude. We are actively building a compliant and forward-looking strategic development framework aimed at providing practical and tailored solutions for our esteemed European clients and B2B partners. Our goal is not only to respond to regulatory changes, but also to become a more resilient, innovative, and value driven partner in long-term development.

Understanding the Current Situation: Championing Fair and Sustainable Trade

Tabo Candle fully respects the European Union’s right to implement trade defense measures aimed at ensuring a fair, level competitive environment for all market participants. We recognize that Europe’s broader regulatory trend—emphasizing sustainability, supply chain traceability, and fair business practices—aligns closely with our own long-term vision as a responsible brand. For us, these developments are not merely compliance hurdles; they are catalysts to lead the industry toward higher environmental and ethical manufacturing standards.

Our manufacturing philosophy has always centered on three core pillars: quality, innovation, and social responsibility. We do not compete on low costs alone—we compete on the strength of our products’ craftsmanship, the authenticity of our brand values, and the positive impact of our operations. This ruling reinforces our commitment to proving that our success in the global market stems from these true advantages, not unfair pricing practices. We are ready to demonstrate, through action and transparency, that Tabo Candle is a brand worthy of trust in an increasingly regulated, values-driven European market.

Tabo Candle’s Long-Term Action Plan: Building Resilience and Enhancing Value

Beyond our immediate measures, we have developed a comprehensive, multi-faceted action plan to strengthen our European presence, elevate our product offerings, and align more closely with EU market expectations:

• Diversification of Raw Material Procurement: We are accelerating the implementation of our existing wax material diversification strategy. This includes increasing the procurement of sustainable waxes sourced directly from the European Union (such as locally produced rapeseed wax and sunflower wax) and globally certified renewable sources. By integrating these materials into our formulas, we not only reduce supply chain risks associated with tariffs but also bring our material base closer to the European market—enhancing traceability and reducing our carbon footprint, in line with EU sustainability goals.

• Product Reengineering for Enhanced Value: We are investing heavily in product innovation to increase the intrinsic value of every Tabo Candle offering. This includes developing advanced blended wax formulations that deliver longer burning times (providing better hourly usage costs for consumers and higher perceived value for retailers), launching exclusive, complex fragrance series co-created with renowned European perfumers, and upgrading our packaging to meet collectible, eco-friendly standards. Each enhancement is designed to shift the focus from price to quality, making our products more resilient to tariff-driven cost pressures.

• Prioritizing Design Intellectual Property: Our true competitive advantage lies in our unique, copyrighted designs and our ability to craft emotional, narrative-driven products. We are doubling down on this strength by shifting the focus of competition from cost to creativity and emotional resonance. By developing proprietary designs, limited-edition collections, and story-led product lines, we reduce the commoditization of our offerings and create a buffer against pure price competition. This approach not only differentiates us in the market but also fosters deeper brand loyalty among consumers.

• Joint Development of the “EU Ready” Series: We are extending an invitation to our key European partners to co-create exclusive “EU Ready” product lines—designed, processed, and potentially co-branded within the EU specifically for European consumers. These series will be optimized from inception to align with local tastes, sustainability regulations, and market dynamics, ensuring they resonate deeply with target audiences while complying with all EU trade requirements. This collaborative approach empowers our partners to shape products that meet their specific market needs, strengthening our mutual success.

Collaboration Guide for European Partners: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

We believe that overcoming these trade challenges requires a united front—and we invite our European partners to collaborate with us in three key ways:

• Amplify the Enhanced Value Story: Work with us to educate end consumers, shifting the narrative from “country of origin” to the core strengths that define Tabo Candle: brand integrity, design excellence, sustainable innovation, and emotional resonance. By highlighting these values, we can build consumer loyalty that transcends price considerations.

• Leverage Our Diversified Supply Chain: Take advantage of our Vietnam-based production and DDP service to maintain supply continuity and cost predictability. Our team is available to provide customized logistics solutions tailored to your business needs.

• Co-Create for Local Success: Participate in the development of our “EU Ready” series to ensure the products we bring to market align with your retail strategies, customer preferences, and regional goals. Your insights will be instrumental in shaping offerings that drive growth for both our brands.

Our Unwavering Commitment: Building the Future Together

Tabo Candle stands at a critical juncture of strategic evolution—and we are embracing this moment as an opportunity to deepen our roots in Europe. We are leveraging our decades of manufacturing expertise while engaging in substantive, solution-focused cooperation with the European Economic Community. Our goal is not just to be a compliant supplier in the aftermath of this ruling, but to become a more innovative, responsive, and valuable partner for every business we serve.

We believe that by integrating our manufacturing advantages with our Europe-centric strategy, we will continue to deliver the exceptional products, reliable service, and collaborative partnerships you expect from Tabo Candle. The road ahead may present challenges, but we are confident that our shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and mutual success will guide us forward. We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with you about the specific opportunities this new chapter will bring to your business—and to building a stronger, more resilient future together.