The European Union (EU) anti-dumping investigation on China steel wheels lacks factual and legal basis and will hurt EU consumers' interests, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday.

The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Gao Feng answers questions at the regular press conference of MOC, on Feb.21, 2019. [Photo: www.mofcom.gov.cn]

The European Commission has begun an investigation into whether Chinese producers are dumping steel vehicle wheels into Europe at very low prices.

The case's application does not meet the filing standards of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as it lacks accuracy and adequacy in the qualification of the applicant's representativeness, Chinese steel and energy markets as well as Chinese products' impact on EU sector, MOC spokesperson Gao Feng told a press conference.

Gao pointed out that the EU steel wheel sector is generally in good shape, and China is not the EU's main importer in this field, adding that Chinese products contribute to the market's diversity.

The investigation will add to market uncertainty and hurt EU consumers' interests, Gao said.

China is always against abuse of trade remedy measures and hopes the European Commission will honor the WTO's rules and deal with this case prudently to avoid impact on normal bilateral trade and cooperation, he said.

China will closely follow the development of this case and take necessary steps to protect Chinese firms' legitimate rights and interests, Gao added.