The probe is the latest to hit a Chinese manufacturer, as Brussels looks to shield European industries from what is perceives as unfair competition from heavily subsidised rivals, especially as Chinese exporters pivot to Europe to avoid US tariffs.

The European Commission, the EU's competition regulator, said the probe comes after a preliminary investigation found the wind turbine maker "may have been granted foreign subsidies that distort the internal market" by improving its "competitive position".

Goldwind is one of the world's top biggest wind turbine suppliers.

Like other major players from China, it first consolidated its position at home before looking to boost growth overseas, bringing it into competition with companies such as Vestas of Denmark and GE Vernova of the United States.

The commission opened a preliminary probe into the firm in 2024, and the deeper in-depth investigation announced Monday will look at whether it enjoyed subsidies including grants, preferential tax measures, and preferential financing, the commission said.

The opening of an in-depth investigation does not prejudge its outcome, Brussels said.

If its competition concerns were to be sustained, the commission could accept remedies proposed by the company or impose redressive measures.

China now dominates the global wind sector in terms of total installed capacity, aided over the years by generous subsidies from Beijing and rapid growth in the vast domestic power market.

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Goldwind

VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS