Beijing has been investigating imported brandy from the EU for some time. The measure followed Brussels’ investigation into Chinese electric cars. The brandy investigation now affects one country in particular.
China wants to hear from companies affected by its anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported from the EU. The announcement of a meeting on July 18 was made on the day that the EU tariffs on electric cars manufactured in China came into force provisionally. The Ministry of Commerce announced that it would discuss the industrial damage and the causes of it in connection with the corresponding brandy products at the meeting.
The ongoing anti-dumping investigations against spirits and those against pork and its byproducts from the EU are seen as Beijing’s reaction to Brussels’ investigations into electric cars from China, for example. Anti-dumping investigations usually involve the accusation that the products being investigated are being offered at artificially lower prices than usual on the respective market.
Beijing has been investigating brandy imported from the EU since January 5 of this year. The measure primarily affects manufacturers from France. Several producers from there and industry associations have requested the hearing and will be able to explain themselves, the Chinese authority further announced.
The Department of Commerce said it allowed the hearing to take place in order to ensure fairness, impartiality and transparency in the process. In the case of the e-car tariffs, the agency had previously reaffirmed China’s willingness to negotiate in order to reach a solution in the four-month window that remains until the measures are finally introduced.
Source: Stern
