China’s Commerce Ministry announced on Tuesday a significant reduction in final anti-dumping duties on European Union pork imports, setting tariffs between 4.9% and 19.8%—a substantial decrease from the preliminary rates of up to 62.4% imposed last September. The decision concludes a comprehensive investigation into EU pork trade practices that Beijing initiated in response to Brussels’ provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
The finalized tariffs, which will take effect Wednesday and remain for five years, apply to all pork products regardless of processing method—including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, pickled, smoked, or salted varieties. The ministry stated its investigation determined that EU producers had been dumping pork and pig by-products in the Chinese market at prices below production costs or domestic market values, causing harm to China’s domestic pork industry.
The announcement comes amid complex trade dynamics between the economic powers. The EU maintains a substantial trade deficit with China, exceeding €300 billion ($348 billion) in the previous year, yet remains a critical supplier of pork and specialty byproducts—including ears, snouts, and feet considered delicacies in China—to the Asian market.
Notably, the resolution provides differentiated rates based on cooperation with the investigation, with collaborating companies facing lower duties. The decision follows similar trade measures against European brandy, though major cognac producers received exemptions, and ongoing probes into EU dairy products.
The ministry emphasized that its conclusions were reached through an “objective, fair and impartial manner,” reflecting Beijing’s strategic approach to balancing trade relations while protecting domestic interests. EU pork exports to China peaked at €7.4 billion ($7.9 billion) in 2020 following China’s swine disease crisis but have declined as China rebuilt its domestic herds.