China Imposes Anti-Dumping Tariffs on EU Pork Imports

China Implements New Pork Tariffs

China has officially imposed anti-dumping tariffs on pork and pig by-products imported from the European Union, with the measures taking effect on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The tariffs, which range from 4.9% to 19.8%, will be applied for a period of five years, as announced by China's Ministry of Commerce. This decision follows an extensive 18-month anti-dumping investigation.

Details of the Tariffs and Affected Products

The final tariff rates represent a significant reduction from the preliminary duties of 15.6% to 62.4% that were initially threatened in September. This adjustment has been viewed by some as a partial reprieve for European producers and a sign of constructive negotiations between the two economic blocs. The tariffs cover a broad range of pork products, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, pickled, smoked, or salted pork products, as well as various pig by-products. Major European pork exporters, particularly Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, are expected to be most affected by these new duties. For instance, Spanish producer Litera Meat received the lowest tariff rate at 4.9%, while the Dutch company Vion faces the highest at 19.8%. Other Spanish firms, including El Pozo, Cárnicas Celra, Corporación Alimentaria Guissona, Sánchez Romero Carvajal, Argal, Campofrío, and Noel, are subject to a 9.8% rate.

Background to the Decision

The anti-dumping investigation, initiated in June 2024 at the request of the China Animal Agriculture Association, concluded that EU pork and pig by-products were being 'dumped' in the Chinese market. This practice, involving selling goods at prices below production costs or domestic market prices, was deemed to have caused material harm to China's domestic pork industry. The imposition of these tariffs is widely interpreted as a retaliatory measure by Beijing, coming after the European Union implemented its own tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Beyond pork, China has also been conducting an anti-subsidy investigation into EU dairy exports and has imposed anti-dumping measures on EU brandy, indicating broader trade tensions.

Impact on European Exporters

The Chinese market is a crucial destination for EU pork, especially for offal products like pig ears, snouts, and feet, which have high demand in China but limited consumption within Europe. In 2024, China imported over $2 billion worth of EU pork, with the EU being China's leading supplier. The European Commission has expressed concern over the tariffs, pledging to defend its exporters. While some in the European pork industry have voiced relief at the lower final rates compared to the preliminary figures, they acknowledge that the tariffs will still negatively impact profit margins and market access for European producers.