Pork Trade Tensions: China's Ongoing Anti-Dumping Investigation into EU Pork
China prolongs investigation into potential dumping of pork products from European Union. - China Expands Antidumping Probe into Pork Exports from the European Union
Let's dive into the ongoing animosity brewing between China and the EU over pork trade.
Last year, China rolled out an anti-dumping investigation into EU pork, a move sparked by the extra tariffs the EU slapped on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The EU slapped these tariffs, stating that subsidies provided to Chinese automakers undercut European companies. China doubted these claims and hit back with an investigation into EU pork, brandy, and dairy products, widely perceived as retaliatory measures.
Fast forward to next month, where the China-EU summit will take place to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. At this meet-up, both sides are expected to discuss minimum prices for Chinese EVs in Europe and the setting up of a "green channel" for delivering rare earths from China to EU nations.
Now, let's dig deep into the details of this pork spat:
- China's Counter Move: Initiated last year, this anti-dumping investigation targets three major EU pork producers and is a direct response to the EU's tariffs on Chinese EVs.
- Current Standoff: As of June 2025, the investigation remains unresolved, with no new definitive tariffs on pork announced. However, the investigation period has been prolonged, signaling China's penchant for using trade negotiations as a power play.
- Broader Scope: This pork squabble is part of a broader pattern of tit-for-tat trade actions between China and the EU, mirroring the ongoing China-France cognac tariff tussle.
In short, China launched an anti-dumping investigation into EU pork as a counter to EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. The investigation is still ongoing, with no new pork tariffs announced yet. China's strategy is rooted in prolonging investigations and threatening tariffs as bargaining chips while negotiations continue.
In the context of the ongoing pork trade tensions between China and the EU, this counter move by China is a part of a broader industry competition as they launched an anti-dumping investigation into EU pork, effectively mirroring the EU's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in the finance sector. The unresolved investigation, as of June 2025, is a reflection of the competitive landscape in finance, politics, and general-news, signifying China's strategy of using trade negotiations as a power play in the global economy.