At worldwide level, production of various non-metallic mineral products used in construction doubled from 2001 to 2011 (3,055.6 million tonnes). In 2001, China was the largest producer (661 million tonnes) and the EU the second largest (329 million tonnes). Ten years later China´s production had increased by 312 % while EU production fell by12 %.

China increasingly dominates the world market

Spain applied for support from the EGF following the dismissal of 630 workers in 140 small and medium sized companies making building materials such as plasterboard and concrete products in the region of the Comunidad Valenciana. The dismissals were the result of increased competition from building materials produced elsewhere in the world, compounded by the economic crisis. China increasingly dominates the world market in building materials, with countries such as India continuing to increase their production.

The funds, requested by the Spanish authorities, would help former workers from 140 small and medium-sized businesses. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU´s Council of Ministers for approval.

The EGF co-financed measures would help the 300 workers facing most difficulties in finding new jobs by providing them with one-to-one counselling and guidance; skills assessment and outplacement; general training and re-training; individual vocational training;entrepreneurship promotion and support; outplacement incentives, job-search allowance and a contribution to commuting expenses.

The total estimated cost of the package is €1.68 million, of which the  European Globalisation Adjustment Fund  (EGF) would provide €840,000.