China issues final ruling of anti-dumping probe into EU brandy imports

BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Friday announced the final ruling of its anti-dumping investigation into brandy imports from the European Union (EU), saying that it will impose anti-dumping measures on these imports for a period of five years, effective Saturday.

The investigation found that brandy imported from the EU involves dumping, posing an actual threat of damage to the domestic brandy industry, according to the ministry. There is a causal relationship between the dumping and the threat of damage, the ministry said.

According to the ministry, the final ruling determined dumping margins ranging from 27.7 percent to 34.9 percent.

The decision followed an extended investigation that began in January 2024. A preliminary assessment was issued in August 2024, and temporary anti-dumping measures were imposed in October of the same year.

The anti-dumping investigation examined EU-produced brandy in containers holding less than 200 liters imported to China from Oct 1, 2022, to Sept 30, 2023, the ministry said.

The ministry added it has accepted price undertakings submitted by relevant EU industry associations and enterprises, and will not impose anti-dumping duties on imports that comply with the terms of the undertakings.

Following the announcement of the final ruling, a spokesperson for the ministry said the decision to accept price undertakings demonstrates China's sincerity in resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation.

The spokesperson said that China hopes the EU will work with China in the same direction, strengthen dialogue and communication, and work with China to address economic and trade differences to create favorable conditions for the consolidation and expansion of China-EU economic and trade cooperation.