25th December 2024 – (Beijing) China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Wednesday that it has extended the investigation period for the anti-dumping probe into imports of brandy from the European Union until 5th April, 2025, citing the complexity of the case.
The investigation was initiated on 5th January, 2024, with an initial completion date set for 5th January, 2025. Typically, investigations can be extended by six months under special circumstances. The MOFCOM’s announcement in August indicated a preliminary assessment that identified dumping practices associated with EU brandy imports, which posed a significant threat to the domestic brandy industry.
Furthermore, a causal relationship was established between the dumping and the potential harm to local producers. In a subsequent statement on 11th November, the MOFCOM mandated that beginning 15th November, importers of the products under investigation must submit deposits or letters of guarantee to Chinese customs authorities, calculated based on the specified dumping margins.
The announcement outlined the companies affected, with dumping margins ranging from 30.6 per cent to 39.0 per cent. Notable companies involved included Martell & Co, with a margin of 30.6 per cent; Jas Hennessy & Co, at 39.0 per cent; and E. REMY MARTIN & C°, with a margin of 38.1 per cent. Companies that cooperated with the investigation had an average dumping margin of 34.8 per cent, while others faced the maximum margin of 39.0 per cent.
