In a retaliatory move against the European Union’s recent decision to impose anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicle imports, China has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imported pork and its by-products from the EU.
The investigation, announced by China’s commerce ministry on Monday, will focus on pork intended for human consumption, such as fresh, cold and frozen whole cuts, as well as pig intestines, bladders and stomachs. The probe, which will begin on June 17, was prompted by a complaint submitted by the China Animal Husbandry Association on behalf of the domestic pork industry.
The investigation appears to be primarily aimed at Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark, which are major pork exporters to China. Following the European Commission’s June 12 announcement of the anti-subsidy duties of up to 38.1% on imported Chinese cars, global food companies have been on high alert for potential retaliatory tariffs from China.
The state-backed Global Times newspaper had previously reported that Chinese firms planned to ask authorities to open an anti-dumping investigation into some European pork products, citing an unidentified “business insider”. This was followed by a second report in the same outlet on June 8 requesting officials look into European dairy imports as well.
The tit-for-tat measures highlight the escalating trade tensions between China and the EU, as both sides seek to protect their domestic industries and leverage their economic influence.