News Pigs
China increases pressure on EU pork imports
China has launched a so-called anti-dumping investigation into the import of pork and pork parts from the European Union (EU). The country had previously threatened to do this, in response to the import duties that the EU has introduced on electric cars from China.
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This new step in trade tensions between the two trading blocs could ultimately lead to export restrictions on European pork to China. The investigation, which started today (Monday, June 17), according to various media, focuses on the full range of pork products. So both meat and parts such as bladders, stomachs, ears, noses and feet.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the investigation started after local trading parties submitted a request. Possibly limiting European exports to China could be detrimental to the pork chain in the EU. The EU exports more than $3 billion worth of pork (parts) to China every year. Spain in particular is a major supplier and supplies approximately half of this export value.
Severely disrupt the pig market
Restrictions on exports to China could seriously disrupt the EU pig market, which could result in higher stocks and therefore lower prices. China is very important for the European square value of the pig, because the country purchases many parts for which there is little demand on the European market. Moreover, the European parties in the pork chain do not appear to have to fear export restrictions in the short term. China has indicated that the investigation must be completed within a year, i.e. before June 17, 2025. If necessary, this can be extended by another six months. Much of course depends on how political tensions between the two major trading blocs will develop in the coming period.
In addition to pork, dairy products from the EU are also nominated for a Chinese anti-dumping investigation.