Commerce Ministry

 
China will conduct anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy based on relevant regulations, and in accordance with WTO rules. The probe will be open and transparent, and will fully guarantee the rights of all stakeholders, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson Shu Jueting said at a regular press briefing on Thursday.

Shu also refuted claims that "the investigation is targeting France" since 99 percent of European brandy imports are from France. "The scope of investigation applied by Chinese industry is brandy from Europe," she said.

According to the MOFCOM, the investigation is launched upon the application of Chinese industry. Chinese companies alleged that the rapid expansion of EU brandy in the Chinese market has led to a price plunge, resulting in operation difficulty of domestic industry.

"Based on WTO rules and Chinese relevant laws, Chinese enterprises are eligible to apply for trade remedy investigation to maintain normal market competition order and their own legitimate interests," Shu said.

She added that MOFCOM, as an investigation body, have reviewed the material and evidence submitted by applicants in accordance with the law. It ruled that the application meets the requirements for filing anti-dumping cases, and an investigation is then decided upon.

China on January 5 started an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported from the EU following a request from the China Alcoholic Drinks Association on behalf of the domestic industry, according to a statement by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).

According to the filing of the China Alcoholic Drinks Association which was attached at the MOFCOM statement, preliminary evidence showed that EU brandy exports to China display obvious dumping behavior, with an initial estimate of a dumping margin of 15.88 percent. Shu said that based on relevant laws, the MOFCOM will accept comments and opinions on the case and other relevant questions from all stakeholders, and protect their rights in accordance with law.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also said on Monday that China is ready to provide an open, inclusive, transparent and non-discriminatory environment for EU and other international businesses that trade and invest in China, in response to a media question regarding the possible connection between China's recent anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy and the EU's investigation of Chinese electric vehicle imports.

Global Times