China’s Commerce Ministry launched an anti-dumping investigation into p-nitrotoluene imports from the European Union on October 3, effective immediately, following a complaint from China’s domestic industry. Preliminary evidence showed that prices for EU imports fell nearly 60% cumulatively between 2022 and 2025. The investigation is expected to conclude by October 3, 2027, with a possible six-month extension. P-nitrotoluene, also known as para-nitrotoluene, is a chemical intermediate used to produce dyes, pharmaceuticals and pesticides. China is a major producer and exporter of the compound. The probe comes as China and the European Union increasingly use anti-dumping and other trade-defense measures against each other’s products, adding to broader trade tensions.