China launches probe into EU imports of chemical compound used in dyes, pesticides

China has launched an investigation into allegations that the European Union dumped imports of a chemical compound used in the production of dyes and pesticides, according to Chinese authorities. The probe follows complaints from domestic producers about the pricing and volume of the EU imports in question.

Chinese producers argue that import volumes of the compound from the EU remained high between 2022 and 2025, even as prices for the product fell by nearly 60% over that period, a trend they say points to dumping, a practice in which exporters sell goods abroad at prices below their normal value in a way that can harm domestic producers in the importing market.

Part of broader trade friction

The investigation adds to a series of trade disputes between China and the European Union across multiple sectors in recent years, with both sides periodically launching probes into each other's exports. Anti-dumping investigations typically examine pricing data, production costs and import volumes before authorities decide whether to impose measures such as tariffs.

The EU has not issued a detailed public response to the specifics of China's investigation. The probe's findings and any resulting measures will depend on the outcome of China's review process, which has not yet concluded.