China extends anti-dumping probe into EU brandy

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday that it would extend the duration of an anti-dumping investigation into brandy originating from the European Union (EU).

The ministry will postpone the final ruling, given the complexity of the case and in accordance with relevant regulations, He Yongqian, spokeswoman of the ministry, said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

The ministry initiated the investigation on Jan 5 this year following a request from the China Alcoholic Drinks Association on behalf of the domestic industry and it is initially set to conclude in January 2025.

Now the investigation has been extended until April 5, 2025, according to the ministry.

Since Oct 11, China has imposed temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy originating from the EU. Importers of brandy originating from the EU must place deposits with Chinese customs based on dumping margins of between 30.6 percent and 39 percent.

"At the request of the domestic brandy industry, the Ministry of Commerce initiated an anti-dumping investigation into relevant brandy originating and imported from the EU in January 2024. After the case was filed, the Chinese institutions have carried out investigations strictly following relevant Chinese laws and regulations and WTO rules, and made a preliminary ruling in August 2024. Currently, EU exporters have submitted price commitment applications, and the domestic brandy industry has asked for legal protection. Given the complexity of the case and at the EU's request, the investigating authority has decided to postpone the final ruling and hopes that all parties concerned will continue to cooperate with the investigation," said He.

China extends anti-dumping probe into EU brandy

China extends anti-dumping probe into EU brandy

The second black box has been found at the plane crash site near Aktau and handed over to the investigation department, according to a Kazakh official from transport department on Thursday.

The Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan on Wednesday.

Of all the 67 people on board, 38 were killed in the crash, and 29 survivors including two children were pulled from the wreckage, Kazakh authorities said on Wednesday.

According to the official, interviews have been carried out with victims, ground service workers and all witnesses to this incident. Radio communication recordings between the crew and dispatchers have been retrieved, and the investigation of the crash site, covering more than 4,000 square meters, is underway.

Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said on Thursday during a press conference that the cause of the plane crash remains unknown and is still under investigation.

Bozumbayev said that Kazakhstan is in contact with the relevant departments from Azerbaijan. He said Kazakhstan does not have an official version of the accident, and neither Russia nor Azerbaijan has provided one.

Second black box found at plane crash site near Aktau: Kazakh official