EU Brandy Makers Defend Against Chinese Anti-Dumping Claims

French cognac companies and EU officials attended a hearing in Beijing regarding China's anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy. The European parties argue there's no dumping and view the probe as part of a broader trade dispute. Major companies and EU representatives defended their position.

Executives from French cognac companies and EU officials on Thursday attended a critical hearing in Beijing concerning China's anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy, according to a statement from the French cognac association.

Beijing initiated the anti-dumping probe in January, alleging that European producers were selling brandy in China at below-market rates. Cognac makers suggest the investigation is part of a larger trade conflict. The hearing, requested by European parties and authorized by China's Commerce Ministry, was announced earlier in July, the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) said.

The BNIC noted that the companies sampled by the ministry, including entities owned by Remy Cointreau, Pernod Ricard, and LVMH, were represented by their chairmen and managing directors. While not naming the companies, the association added that the European Commission was represented by the EU ambassador, along with the French, Spanish, and Italian embassies. Industry association representatives also attended.

The BNIC emphasized that the European associations and sampled companies, represented by their chairmen and managing directors, have firmly denied any dumping activities, citing evidence provided to the investigative authorities. The hearing marked the first in-person defense opportunity for cognac makers against the allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)