EU launches new investigation into Chinese steel subsidies

The European Commission has launched a new investigation into subsidies for some export steel products supplied by China to the European Union, highlighting the bloc's intensified efforts to protect its struggling steel industry from unfair trade practices.

The commission's investigation is to examine a complaint from the European Steel Association at the end of March by the EU executive body that imports of Chinese hot rolled steel are subsidized and harms European industries. These products were allegedly "dumped" at prices below market prices.

The commission said the new procedure allows it to open an investigation when there is a “threat of harm” to EU producers, rather than waiting for evidence that they have been harmed.