EU to probe Chinese imports

THE EU plans a probe into nine categories of Chinese textiles and clothing products following first-quarter rises of between 51% and 534% in imports of the goods, the bloc’s trade chief said yesterday.

Commissioner Peter Mandelson’s decision to recommend an investigation into the surge in imports following the January 1 winding up of a global quotas regime could lead to formal curbs on Chinese shipments by the 25-nation bloc within 150 days.

“I have received adequate import statistics for the first quarter of 2005 from member states to allow us to act. Although the picture is mixed in some categories ... they do give cause for concern,” Mr Mandelson said.