China opens anti-dumping investigation into European Union chemical imports

China launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of p-nitrotoluene from the European Union on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The probe, initiated by the Chinese Commerce Ministry, follows a complaint from domestic producers who claim EU prices have dropped by nearly 60% since 2022, harming their operations. The chemical is used in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. This action comes just days before EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to visit Beijing for high-level trade talks, as tensions between the two sides escalate over trade imbalances and restrictions on electric vehicles and other goods.