The European Commission has formally requested the World Trade Organization (WTO) to open consultations concerning the provisional anti-dumping measures that China has imposed on brandy imports originating from the European Union.
The request, submitted on 25 November, marks the first official step in the WTO’s dispute settlement process and signals the EU’s determination to challenge measures it considers unfounded and incompatible with international trade rules.
According to the Commission, Beijing has failed to demonstrate the existence of a genuine threat to China’s domestic brandy industry or a clear causal link between European imports and alleged economic harm. Moreover, officials in Brussels argue that China initiated its anti-dumping investigation without sufficient evidence, a requirement explicitly set out in WTO disciplines.
The Chinese inquiry, launched several months ago, has been closely followed by EU authorities. Throughout this period, the Commission has repeatedly raised concerns regarding the methodology, transparency, and initial justification of the case. Tuesday’s move to seek WTO consultations reflects a firm stance: the EU will not accept restrictive trade actions that, in its view, lack a proper legal basis.
China now has ten days to respond to the EU's request, after which both parties must agree on the timing and format of the consultations. Should these discussions fail to achieve a mutually acceptable solution, Brussels may escalate the matter by requesting the establishment of a WTO panel to examine the dispute more comprehensively.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, reiterated the EU’s commitment to defending fair competition and its industrial sectors. He stressed that the Commission “acts decisively against any unjustified or questionable use of trade defence instruments,” emphasising that the protection of European producers requires vigilance and adherence to multilateral rules.
The provisional Chinese measures directly affect the European brandy sector, with France and Spain among the most heavily impacted producers. Exports to China represent a significant share of business for several EU companies, and prolonged restrictions could have economic repercussions across the supply chain. The Commission underscored that it remains committed to defending European interests and will challenge any policy it deems misaligned with WTO obligations.
This dispute arises amid a broader context of trade tensions between the EU and China, involving various products and industrial sectors. Despite these challenges, the Commission insists that it will continue to rely on established international mechanisms to address disputes and ensure compliance with global trade rules.
Source: Vinetur