Q: We noted that MOFCOM has initiated an ex-officio anti-dumping investigation into pecan imports from Mexico and the United States. Could you provide further details?

A: Under China’s laws and regulations and WTO rules, anti-dumping investigations may be initiated in two circumstances: (1) upon application by a domestic industry; or (2) ex officio by the investigating authority. Evidence currently indicates that pecan exports from Mexico and the United States to China have involved dumping practices, causing material injury to China’s domestic industry. Given that China’s pecan industry is fragmented and involves a large number of growers, the investigating authority has lawfully initiated the investigation ex officio, based on sufficient evidence to meet the case initiation criteria.

The investigating authority will conduct the investigation in accordance with the law, fully safeguard the rights of all interested parties, and make an objective and impartial determination based on the findings of the investigation.