EU probes into Chinese subsidies and imports

The European Union launched an investigation into flat-rolled iron or steel products plated or coated with tin from China in the latest effort to protect home-grown manufacturers.

It has also launched several probes into whether Chinese clean tech producers are dumping subsidised goods on EU markets and whether Chinese-owned companies unfairly benefit from subsidies while operating inside the European Union.

The European Commission, which is carrying out the investigations, says its aim is to prevent unfair competition and market distortion.

Here's what you need to know about the investigations:

Tinplate steel

The European Commission opened on May 16 an anti-dumping investigation into flat-rolled products of iron or steel plated or coated with Chinese tin.

The EU's official journal said the investigation follows a...