China announces anti-dumping cases on some chemicals

China will implement anti-dumping measures against precursor chemical toluene di-isocyanate imported from Europe and has begun a separate investigation of other chemical imports from Europe and the United States, the government said on Wednesday.

The measures come a few days after Commerce Minister Chen Deming told reporters that, while he does not seek a trade war, he will act to protect the interests of Chinese firms in solar and other industry.

The Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on its website the anti-dumping investigation of glycol and diethylene glycol -- a widely used solvent -- will last until February 18.

It did not specify the temporary measures it would take against the imported toluene di-isocyanate, an organic compound used to make plastics and rubber.

Trade relations between China and the European Union have been strained due to the imposition of a string of anti-dumping tariffs. 

Last week, Beijing slapped five-year anti-dumping tariffs on imports of stainless steel tubes used in the oil and gas industry from the EU and Japan.

Also last week, China lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization to challenge solar pricing policies that Beijing argues favour firms in Italy and Greece.