China starts Industry probe into EU chemical imports

China has started an investigation into imports of p-nitrotoluene from the European Union. China's Ministry of Commerce announced the probe on October 3. The investigation was requested by two Chinese chemical companies.

The companies say EU producers may have sold the chemical in China at very low prices. They say this has hurt China's local chemical industry. The companies gave early evidence to support their claims. They said the possible dumping margin was more than 100%.

China also said EU imports stayed high from 2022 to 2025. During this time the prices of the chemical fell by almost 60%. P-nitrotoluene is also called 4 nitrotoluene. It is used to make products such as dyes, paints, farm chemicals and some medicines.

The investigation will look at EU imports from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. China expects the probe to finish by October 3, 2027. It may be extended by six months in special cases.

China said the investigation will follow Chinese law and World Trade Organization rules. Officials also said all sides will have a chance to take part in the process.

The investigation comes as trade issues between China and the EU continue. China said the EU has started 28 trade investigations against Chinese goods since 2025.

No final decision has been made in the p-nitrotoluene case. Chinese officials will study the evidence before deciding whether any trade action is needed.