China has launched an anti-dumping investigation into pork imports from the European Union, in response to a local trade grouping’s application on behalf of domestic producers. Pork is a popular meat in China and imports from the EU totaled over three billion dollars last year, according to Beijing’s customs data. The probe comes after the EU decided to impose additional tariffs on Chinese electric car imports, citing unfair subsidization by China which could harm EU electric car makers. In retaliation, China threatened to target EU exports, including pork and dairy products.
The European Commission has proposed provisional tariff hikes on Chinese electric car manufacturers, with rates depending on the level of state subsidies received by the firms. China criticized the EU’s move as protectionism and warned that it could harm Europe’s own interests. Following China’s announcement of the pork investigation, the European Commission stated that it would closely monitor the proceedings and intervene as necessary to ensure compliance with relevant World Trade Organization rules. Spain, the EU’s largest exporter of pork products to China, expressed hope for understanding regarding the decision, emphasizing that trade wars are detrimental to the agrifood sector and consumer choice.
In addition to the pork investigation, China had previously launched anti-dumping investigations into brandy imported from the EU in January and a key engineering chemical in May from the EU, US, Taiwan, and Japan. The Chinese commerce ministry asserted that domestic industries have the right to request such probes to protect their legitimate rights and interests. China also reserved the right to file a suit with the World Trade Organization over the planned new EU tariffs. Germany’s economy minister is scheduled to visit China to address the issue of tariffs during the visit.
China’s anti-dumping investigation into pork imports from the EU is part of a broader trade stand-off between the two economic partners. The escalating tensions have seen retaliatory measures from both sides, with the EU imposing tariffs on Chinese electric car imports due to alleged unfair subsidization. In response, China has warned of targeting EU exports, including pork and dairy products. Trade disputes have also extended to other sectors, with China initiating anti-dumping investigations into brandy and engineering chemicals from the EU, US, Taiwan, and Japan. The outcome of these investigations and the potential implications on trade relations between China and the EU remain uncertain.
