China's Ministry of Trade announced on Wednesday that it has launched an investigation into "subsidies" and "investment barriers" for Chinese businesses in the European Union (EU).
The Ministry said its investigation was prompted by a complaint from China’s Chamber of Commerce.
The complaint focuses on “products such as locomotives, photovoltaic energy [and] wind energy,” the ministry specified.
The investigation into EU subsidies is expected to conclude on 10 January 2025, but could potentially be extended by three months.
It comes on the heels of a series of procedures initiated in recent months against China by the European Commission, which accuses Beijing of illegally favouring its manufacturers with subsidies.
In mid-February, the Commission launched an initial investigation under the EU's new anti-subsidy regulations, targeting a subsidiary of Chinese railway manufacturer CRRC, the world’s number one in the field.
This state-owned group, a contender for supplying electric trains to Bulgaria, withdrew from the bidding process in late March.
The Commission also opened an investigation into public procurement for medical devices in China at the end of April, suspecting “discriminatory practices.” Other investigations involve automotive construction and wind energy.
In early July, the EU imposed up to 38% in additional customs duties on imported Chinese electric cars, a decision that may become permanent in November.
