PARIS, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China's anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported from the European Union (EU), prompted by a complaint submitted by the domestic brandy industry, neither targets any specific EU member state nor carries predefined findings, China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said here on Monday.
China will conduct the investigation openly and transparently in accordance with Chinese law and WTO rules, while fully safeguarding the rights of all stakeholders, added the minister.
Wang made these remarks when meeting with three French brandy trade associations and five French brandy producers, who said they are willing to cooperate with the Chinese side in the investigation process and keep developing their businesses in the Chinese market.
In January, China started an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported from the EU following a request from the China Alcoholic Drinks Association on behalf of the domestic industry.
The anti-dumping probe will look at EU-produced brandy in containers holding less than 200 liters imported from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023. The probe is expected to end before Jan. 5, 2025, but may be extended for half a year under special circumstances. ■
