BEIJING, Oct. 3 (World Daily Times) — China’s Ministry of Commerce launched an anti-dumping investigation on October 3, 2026, into imports of the chemical compound p-nitrotoluene from the European Union, following a complaint filed by two Chinese producers.
The ministry identified the applicants as Jiangsu Huaihe Chemicals Co and Hubei Dongfang Chemical Industry Co. It said they submitted their application on September 14 on behalf of China’s p-nitrotoluene industry.
According to the ministry, preliminary evidence submitted by the companies showed that import volumes from the EU remained high from 2022 through 2025, while prices fell by nearly 60% over that period.
A ministry spokesperson said the alleged dumped imports “had caused damage to the production and operations of China’s domestic industry.” The allegations of dumping and harm to producers are based on preliminary evidence, not a final determination.
The ministry said the application met the requirements for opening an investigation under Chinese law and World Trade Organization rules. It also said the rights of interested parties would be protected during the investigation.
P-nitrotoluene, also known as 4-nitrotoluene, is used to make chemicals applied in dyes, pigments, pesticides and pharmaceuticals, according to the ministry. China is a major producer and exporter of the compound, Reuters reported.
The investigation comes amid other trade disputes between China and the EU. EU measures seek to slow imports of Chinese electric vehicles and fast fashion, among other products, The Associated Press reported.
The EU has launched 28 trade-remedy investigations against China since 2025, The News International reported.
The EU trade chief was due in Beijing for talks less than a week after the investigation opened, Hong Kong Free Press reported. The News International reported that EU officials were expected in Beijing for trade talks on October 8–9.
“China has repeatedly reiterated that the EU needs to face its own economic and trade problems directly and resolve mutual concerns through dialogue and consultation,” a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said.
