China to take anti-dumping measures against EU brandy imports

BEIJING - China said on Oct 8 that it would impose anti-dumping measures on brandy imported from the EU, marking the latest salvo in an escalating trade row between Beijing and Brussels.

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The two major economic partners have butted heads in recent months over Beijing's generous subsidies for its domestic industries.

Brussels argues that the support undermines the principle of free competition and helped drive down the prices of Chinese exports, undercutting European competitors.

Beijing has denied the claims and accuses Brussels of protectionism.

China launched an investigation in 2024 into EU brandy, months after the bloc undertook a probe into Chinese electric vehicle (EV) subsidies.

Beijing said in August that it would not impose provisional tariffs on brandy makers, even though it had found evidence of dumping, but did not rule out subsequent measures.

From Oct 11, operators will have to pay a "corresponding guarantee" to Chinese customs when importing EU brandy into the country, the Commerce Ministry in Beijing said.

It said the amount would be based on calculations involving prices approved by customs, as well as import taxes.