China has introduced provisional anti-dumping tariffs of up to 62.4% on pork imports from the European Union, a measure seen as a response to the EU’s duties on Chinese electric vehicles. The Ministry of Commerce declared the move on Friday, targeting over $2 billion worth of pork imports.
The ministry stated that its preliminary findings revealed that pork exporters from the EU were offering products at unjustifiably low prices, negatively impacting China’s domestic pork sector. Producers from Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands who cooperated with the probe will face tariffs ranging from 15.6% to 32.7%, while all other companies will be subject to the maximum rate of 62.4%.
The investigation is regarded as a retaliatory response to Brussels’ decision last year to increase tariffs of up to 45% for certain manufacturers as part of its anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. The duties are set to take effect on September 10.
A large portion of China’s pork imports consists of offal such as pig ears, snouts, and feet, which are staples in Chinese cuisine but have limited demand in other markets.
The decision has left pork producers disappointed, as many had anticipated a potential compromise. Earlier this year, Beijing extended the investigation by six months, raising hopes that a trade agreement could be reached in parallel with discussions on electric vehicle tariffs.
China’s Ministry of Commerce explained that the tariffs are provisional and could be adjusted after the investigation wraps up in December. In a separate statement, the ministry added that it is still willing to address disagreements with the EU through ‘dialogue and consultation.’
European Union pork exports to China reached a high of €7.4 billion ($7.9 billion) in 2020, as Beijing relied heavily on foreign supply following a swine disease outbreak that devastated domestic pig farms. However, by 2023, exports had declined to €2.5 billion ($2.6 billion), with Spain accounting for nearly half of that amount.
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