China has launched an anti-dumping probe into chemical imports from Europe amid growing tensions over China’s large trade surplus with the European Union.
Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Saturday that the investigation was initiated following a complaint from domestic industry groups. P-nitrotoluene is a chemical used in the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and pigments.
The move is the latest in a series of reciprocal trade measures between Brussels and Beijing, following a renewed escalation in tensions in recent weeks.
The EU launched three anti-dumping investigations into Chinese chemical imports last week. It has also started consultations on a new diversification mechanism aimed at reducing the bloc’s reliance on imports from China.
The investigation comes ahead of key talks in Beijing this month between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. In June, the EU set an October deadline for progress in narrowing its trade deficit with China, which has reached around €1 billion per day.
Brussels has warned that a lack of progress could prompt additional trade measures, which EU leaders are expected to discuss at a summit later in October.
The FT reported last month that the EU has proposed several measures, including voluntary limits on exports of plug-in hybrid vehicles and certain chemical products.
China’s Commerce Ministry said European exports of p-nitrotoluene remained high between 2022 and 2025, while prices fell by 60%, meeting the criteria for an anti-dumping investigation under both Chinese regulations and World Trade Organization rules.
The move also comes after Brussels warned UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham that Britain may need to increase tariffs on Chinese-made cars and align more closely with EU trade policy to avoid ‘made in Europe’ restrictions on exports to the bloc.
In recent years, the EU has imposed higher tariffs on a range of Chinese industrial goods, while China has responded by targeting key European agricultural sectors, including dairy, pork and cognac exports.
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