The Chinese government has launched an investigation into pork imports from the European Union, stating that the probe will aim to protect the rights and interests of “stakeholders”.
According to the spokesperson for China’s commerce ministry, He Yadong, the investigation was initiated following a request from the domestic industry. The probe will look into pork and its by-products imported from the EU after the bloc decided to impose provisional anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles, which are set to take effect on Thursday.
The Chinese government’s move to investigate EU pork imports appears to be a retaliatory measure in response to the EU’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. By launching this probe, China is signaling that it will take steps to protect its domestic industries and their interests in the face of trade actions from the EU.
The commerce ministry’s statement suggests that the investigation will focus on ensuring the rights and interests of Chinese stakeholders, which likely includes domestic pork producers and related industries. This indicates that the probe could potentially lead to trade restrictions or other measures aimed at shielding China’s pork sector from competition with EU imports.
The escalating trade tensions between China and the EU over issues like electric vehicles and now pork imports highlight the ongoing challenges in the bilateral economic relationship. As both sides seek to defend their respective industries and trade interests, the potential for further trade disputes and retaliatory actions remains high.
The outcome of China’s investigation into EU pork imports will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the flow of agricultural trade between the two economic powerhouses.