context: The EU imposed tariffs on PRC electric vehicles in June 2024 after the US took similar steps. Days later, the National Animal Husbandry Service lodged a complaint that triggered Beijing’s anti-dumping probe into EU pork. The Ministry of Commerce launched the investigation on 17 June 2024. Over half of PRC pork imports came from the EU in 2023. In parallel, Beijing extended its anti-subsidy probe into EU dairy. Together, these moves highlight escalating agri-trade tensions.
MofCOM (Ministry of Commerce) announced temporary anti-dumping duties on EU pork imports On 6 September, requiring cash deposits of up to 62.4 percent, effective 10 September.
The measure, covering over US$2 bn in trade, follows a June 2024 probe into alleged dumping. Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands, the PRC’s top three suppliers, will be most affected, writes Lingxian Yudongpin.
Firms cooperating with investigators, mainly from these three countries, face duties between 15.6 and 32.7 percent, while others face the maximum 62.4 percent.
The ministry said EU practices had harmed domestic industry. It stressed a willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue, but experts see little chance of a negotiated settlement before the final ruling in December.
Reactions in exporting countries were strong.
Spanish meat industry association Anice called the result unexpected and negative, citing both domestic oversupply in the PRC and weakening competitiveness from price differentials. Interporc, Spain’s white pig producers’ association, noted its firms generally face 20 percent duties, except Litera Meat at 15.6 percent, the lowest in the EU, attributed to transparency and cooperation with Chinese partners.
Luis Planas Spain’s agriculture minister urged dialogue and pledged government support.
Dutch industry body COV said the duties would hurt sales. Leading producer Vion faces 32.7 percent, while Westfort, Pali Group, Compaxo and Van Rooi Meat face 20 percent. Westfort’s procurement head Jaap de Wit criticised the dumping claim, arguing the PRC is a premium market for cuts not consumed in Europe, but conceded competitiveness against Brazil and Russia is weakening.
Belgium’s Febev managing director Michael Gore warned of reduced carcass values and immediate financial losses from shipments already at sea.
The European Commission dismissed the dumping charges as dubious and pledged to defend EU producers. Spokesperson Olof Gill said the EU would take all necessary steps as tensions escalate.
The dispute coincides with wider geopolitical strains, including EU criticism of Beijing’s ties with Moscow and Pyongyang. Analysts noted the case reflects not just trade frictions but a struggle over influence and compliance with international trade rules.