Chinese investigation into European wines

11.9.2013

Question for written answer E-010070-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Eva Ortiz Vilella (PPE) , Pilar Ayuso (PPE) , María Auxiliadora Correa Zamora (PPE) , Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE) , Esther Herranz García (PPE) , Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE) , Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE)

China’s anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into European wines could lead to an increase in Chinese tariffs on EU exports if it finds in favour of Chinese producers, who are complaining of alleged unfair competition from EU wines. France and Spain are the primary focus of the investigation as they are the main wine exporters to China.

European producers believe that this investigation is unjustified because they claim that European exports are in no way being dumped on to the Chinese market and that EU subsidies do not cause trade distortions.

What arguments can the Commission put forward in defence of EU subsidies for European wine producers? When can a final decision by China be expected? Is the Commission providing any legal assistance to businesses affected by the investigation? What actions could the Commission take if China were to impose new tariffs on European exports?

OJ C 197, 26/06/2014