China Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on EU Pork Imports

On September 5, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce announced the imposition of preliminary anti-dumping duties on pork imports from the European Union, with rates ranging from 15.6% to 62.4%. This decision, effective September 10, follows an investigation initiated in June 2024, which determined that EU producers were selling pork and pig by-products below market value, causing substantial harm to China's domestic pork industry. The investigation and subsequent duties are widely viewed as a retaliatory measure against the EU's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

ABC NewsChina slaps tariffs on EU porkChina Hits EU Pork With Up to 62% Tariffs in Retaliation for Electric Vehicle DutiesChina imposes ‘initial’ tariffs of up to 62.4% on EU pork, as anti-dumping investigation nears completionChina to impose anti-dumping measures on EU pork importsChina imposes temporary tariffs of up to 62 per cent on European porkReutersChina imposes up to 62% duties on EU porkChina Daily

The anti-dumping investigation focused on various pork products, including fresh and frozen meat, intestines, and offal, which are highly valued in Chinese cuisine. Major EU exporters affected include Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands, which together account for nearly half of EU pork exports to China. The investigation revealed that the prices of EU pork were significantly undercutting local producers, leading to the imposition of duties. Companies that cooperated with the investigation received lower rates, while those that did not face the maximum duty of 62.4%.

ABC NewsChina Hits EU Pork With Up to 62% Tariffs in Retaliation for Electric Vehicle DutiesChina imposes ‘initial’ tariffs of up to 62.4% on EU pork, as anti-dumping investigation nears completionReutersChina to impose anti-dumping measures on EU pork importsChina imposes temporary tariffs of up to 62 per cent on European porkChina slaps tariffs on EU porkChina imposes up to 62% duties on EU porkGlobal Times

The European Commission criticized the findings of the investigation, labeling the allegations as "questionable" and asserting that they were based on insufficient evidence. A spokesperson for the Commission stated, "I can categorically assure you that we will take all the necessary steps to defend our producers and industry." The impact of these duties is expected to be significant, particularly for producers in Spain, which exported approximately €1.2 billion worth of pork to China in 2023. Anne Richard, director of the French pork industry association INAPORC, expressed concern over the potential effects on European market prices, stating, "This is worrying news for us."

China imposes ‘initial’ tariffs of up to 62.4% on EU pork, as anti-dumping investigation nears completion

The trade tensions between China and the EU have escalated in recent years, particularly following the EU's imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The pork duties are part of a broader pattern of retaliatory trade measures, which also include investigations into EU dairy products and brandy. The Chinese government has indicated a willingness to negotiate, but the prospects for a resolution appear increasingly slim as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

China Hits EU Pork With Up to 62% Tariffs in Retaliation for Electric Vehicle Duties

While the Chinese Ministry of Commerce asserts that the investigation found clear evidence of dumping, the European Commission has challenged the validity of these claims. The ongoing nature of the investigation, which is set to conclude in December 2025, leaves open the possibility for changes to the duties based on further findings or negotiations.

Global Times

• “This is worrying news for us. We're concerned about the impact this will have on prices on the European market,” — Anne Richard, Director, INAPORC

Reuters

• “But I can categorically assure you that we will take all the necessary steps to defend our producers and industry,” — European Commission Spokesperson

Reuters

The imposition of these duties marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade conflict between China and the EU, with potential long-term implications for agricultural trade and diplomatic relations between the two economic powerhouses.

China Hits EU Pork With Up to 62% Tariffs in Retaliation for Electric Vehicle Duties