05.10.2026 Regulation #China #EU #Import #Duties
China opens anti-dumping probe into EU p-nitrotoluene imports
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports of p-nitrotoluene (对硝基甲苯) originating in the EU. The probe runs from 3 October 2026, according to Announcement No. 44 of 2026 (full-text reprint). No duties have been imposed: the ministry is only starting to examine whether dumping and injury to the domestic industry occurred.
Scope and parameters of the investigation
The trigger was an application filed on 14 September 2026 by Jiangsu Huaihe Chemical (江苏淮河化工) and Hubei Dongfang Chemical (湖北东方化工) on behalf of the Chinese industry (announcement text). The announcement sets out the following key parameters:
- dumping period of investigation: 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026;
- injury period of investigation: 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2026;
- product: p-nitrotoluene (C7H7NO2), China tariff number 2904 20 20 (HS heading 2904);
- normal completion deadline: 3 October 2027, extendable by 6 months.
Euronews also confirms a 12-month term with a possible six-month extension. Global Trade Alert lists the measure as Announcement No. 44 of 2026, with the investigation shown as ongoing.
Injury allegations
The case was opened on an application from Chinese producers (Announcement No. 44). A MOFCOM spokesperson gave figures: prices of p-nitrotoluene imports from the EU fell cumulatively by almost 60% over 2022–2025. The spokesperson also noted that since 2025 the EU has launched 28 trade remedy investigations against China, roughly half of them involving chemical products.
Euronews notes that the announcement came days before EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič's visit to Beijing on 8–9 October; the Chinese side attributes the probe to a request from domestic producers.
Registration of interested parties and the questionnaire stage
Interested parties must register within 20 days of the announcement date. Filings go through MOFCOM's trade remedy investigation platform (etrb.mofcom.gov.cn), electronically and, if MOFCOM so requires, also in writing (Announcement No. 44).
MOFCOM usually issues questionnaires within 10 working days after registration closes (Announcement No. 44). For participants this means:
- the dumping period of investigation is July 2025 to June 2026, so EU exporters' and producers' price and sales data will be assessed for that period;
- participation starts with registration;
- under the announcement, if a party does not provide accurate information, MOFCOM may make its determination on the basis of the facts available and the best information available.
Primary sources
- Объявление Минкоммерции КНР 2026 №44 (перепечатка полного текста)
- Ответы официального представителя Минкоммерции КНР (21jingji)
- Global Trade Alert: China, initiation of anti-dumping investigation on imports of p-nitrotoluene from the EU
- Euronews: China opens anti-dumping probe into EU days before Beijing trade talks
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This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.