On October 9, during a press conference, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce addressed the recent anti-dumping measures imposed on imported brandy from the European Union. According to the spokesperson, these actions are fully compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations.
The Ministry recently announced that starting from October 11, any importers bringing in brandy from the EU will be required to provide a corresponding deposit to Chinese customs. Reports have indicated that the EU plans to lodge a strong complaint with the WTO regarding these anti-dumping measures.
In response to inquiries, the spokesperson clarified that this decision was made following a legitimate investigation initiated by domestic industry request, and serves as a necessary trade remedy.
Previously, China had already filed a lawsuit with the WTO concerning the EU’s anti-subsidy measures against Chinese electric vehicles. The spokesperson noted that the EU’s investigation into subsidies for Chinese electric cars was not prompted by any industry request, highlighting that there is considerable opposition among EU member states and their industries towards this initiative.
According to the spokesperson, the EU’s measures lack factual and legal foundations, clearly violate WTO rules, and are essentially a guise for trade protectionism under the pretext of trade remedy.
The spokesperson reiterated China’s consistent stance against the misuse of trade remedy measures and urged the EU to promptly rectify its erroneous policies, emphasizing the importance of jointly maintaining healthy Sino-European trade relations.
