China launched an anti-dumping investigation into some brandy imports from the European Union (EU), said the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said the probe follows a request from the China Alcoholic Drinks Association on behalf of the domestic brandy industry on December 30, 2023.

The anti-dumping probe will look at EU-produced brandy in containers holding less than 200 liters imported from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, the ministry said.

It added that it would also investigate any damage done to the Chinese brandy industry from January 1, 2019 to September 30, 2023.

The probe is expected to end before January 5, 2025, but may be extended for half a year under special circumstances.

In response to reporters' queries, the chief of the ministry's trade remedy and investigation bureau said the ministry will conduct the investigation in accordance with the law to protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders.

(Cover: File photo of the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, China. /CFP)

(With input from Xinhua)