China launches anti-dumping probe into EU chemical imports ahead of trade talks

China's commerce ministry has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of the chemical p-nitrotoluene from the European Union, just a week before trade talks between the two blocs. The ministry's spokesperson stated that domestic industry in China had requested the probe due to concerns that low-priced imports from the EU were harming production and operations.

The chemical is utilized in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Tensions between China and the EU have escalated, risking a trade war as Brussels defends its industries against Chinese goods allegedly subsidized by the Chinese government. The EU's trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, will meet with Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao on Thursday to prevent the situation from worsening.

In September, the EU launched a probe into imports of polyvinyl chloride from China, with the investigation set to last up to a year, potentially extendable by six months. The Chinese ministry reiterated Beijing's stance that the EU should resolve their issues through dialogue rather than through trade measures.