BEIJING, Oct. 3 (World Daily Times) — China’s Ministry of Commerce launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of the chemical p-nitrotoluene from the European Union on October 3, 2026, following an application from two Chinese producers, the ministry said.
The investigation follows preliminary allegations that EU imports harmed China’s domestic industry. It is not a final finding that dumping or injury occurred.
The ministry identified the applicants as Jiangsu Huaihe Chemicals Co and Hubei Dongfang Chemical Industry Co. It said the companies submitted their application on September 14 on behalf of China’s p-nitrotoluene industry.
According to the ministry, preliminary evidence submitted by the applicants showed that EU import volumes remained high from 2022 through 2025, while import prices fell by nearly 60% over that period.
A ministry spokesperson said the alleged dumped imports “had caused damage to the production and operations of China’s domestic industry.” That claim forms part of the preliminary case for the investigation, rather than a final determination.
The ministry said the application met the requirements for opening an investigation under Chinese law and World Trade Organization rules. It also said the rights of interested parties would be protected during the investigation.
P-nitrotoluene, also called 4-nitrotoluene, is used to make chemicals applied in dyes, pigments, pesticides and pharmaceuticals, according to the ministry. China is a major producer and exporter of the compound, Reuters reported.
The probe comes amid other trade disputes. EU measures seek to slow imports of Chinese electric vehicles and fast fashion, among other products, The Associated Press reported. The EU has launched 28 trade-remedy investigations against China since 2025, The News International reported.
The EU trade chief was due in Beijing for talks less than a week after the launch, Hong Kong Free Press reported. The News International reported that EU officials were expected there on October 8–9.
“China has repeatedly reiterated that the EU needs to face its own economic and trade problems directly and resolve mutual concerns through dialogue and consultation,” a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said.
