China launches anti-dumping probe into EU chemical imports

BEIJING — China said Saturday it had launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of p-nitrotoluene from the European Union, a chemical compound used in the production of dyes, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.The Commerce Ministry launched the investigation following an application from China’s domestic industry alleging that EU imports were being dumped in the Chinese market, a ministry spokesperson said.P-nitrotoluene is primarily used to manufacture chemicals for dyes, pigments, pesticides and pharmaceutical products.According to preliminary evidence submitted by the applicants, imports of p-nitrotoluene from the EU remained at high levels between 2022 and 2025, while prices fell by nearly 60% during the period.The ministry spokesperson said the allegedly dumped imports had harmed the production and operations of China’s domestic industry.The application met the requirements for initiating an anti-dumping investigation under Chinese law and World Trade Organization rules, the spokesperson added.Beijing said the investigation would be conducted in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, with the rights of all interested parties protected throughout the process.