The Chinese government has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into European Union pork imports, a move believed to be a response to the EU's plans to impose provisional tariffs on electric vehicles from China. This development comes as China aims to assert its position in trade negotiations and potentially leverage the situation.
The investigation will encompass various pork products, including fresh and frozen meat, intestines, and internal organs, and is expected to last for a year with a possible extension. EU farm subsidies, which are under scrutiny, are stated to be in compliance with WTO regulations, according to the European Commission.
Chinese officials have criticized the EU's actions regarding subsidies for electric vehicle production in China, labeling them as protectionist and in violation of WTO rules. The EU's decision to impose provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, affecting both domestic and foreign brands, has further escalated tensions between the two economic powers.
EU pork exports to China peaked in 2020 at 7.4 billion euros but have since declined, reaching 2.5 billion euros in the previous year. Spain, a significant contributor to EU pork exports, has expressed concerns over potential trade conflicts and emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation.
Spanish officials and industry associations have signaled their willingness to cooperate with Chinese authorities to address the situation and prevent any adverse impacts on the agricultural sector. The Spanish Minister for Agriculture highlighted the need for negotiation and dialogue to avert a trade conflict, drawing parallels to past disputes involving tariffs on EU farming products.
As the trade dispute unfolds, stakeholders on both sides are closely monitoring developments and seeking avenues for resolution to prevent any further escalation of tensions in the global trade landscape.
