China cuts tariffs on EU pork imports after lengthy investigation

CHINA has significantly cut tariffs on pork imports from the European Union, providing partial relief to European producers after an 18-month anti-dumping investigation that was widely seen as retaliation for EU duties on Chinese electric vehicles.

In its final decision published on Tuesday, China's Ministry of Commerce set new tariffs ranging from 4.9% to 19.8% on EU pork imports for a five-year period beginning Wednesday. This move marks a sharp reduction from the preliminary rates of 15.6% to 62.4% introduced in September. Importers will be refunded any difference in duties paid since the preliminary decision was made.

The court's decision affects over $2 billion worth of EU pork exports to China and comes as a relief to producers heavily dependent on the Chinese market, particularly for offal such as pig ears and feet, for which demand elsewhere is limited. In 2024 , China imported $4.8 billion worth of pork and offal, more than half of which came from the EU. Spain was the bloc's largest exporter by volume.

The investigation, launched in June 2024, affected major exporters, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. it unfolded amid broader diplomatic engagement, including the resumption of negotiations on electric vehicle tariffs and recent visits to Beijing by French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish King Felipe. Regional officials in Spain also pushed for tariff reductions, citing Spain's openness to Chinese investment in the auto industry.

Industry groups welcomed the rate reductions, but emphasized that they still represent a cost. The French pork producers' association, Inaporc, stated that all cooperating exporters were granted a 9.8% rate, which brought a "sense of relief," although the industry cannot be entirely pleased.

This decision comes as China's pork sector struggles with oversupply and weak consumer demand. Pork prices have been falling throughout 2025 and are expected to remain under pressure. While the tariff reduction could slightly increase imported pork prices and mitigate food price deflation , analysts say the impact is likely to be minor, benefiting Chinese pork producers more than price-sensitive import segments.

China continues to use trade instruments against the EU in other countries: an investigation into EU dairy EXPORT subsidies is due to conclude in February next year, and tariffs on EU cognac have already been imposed, highlighting that trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels are far from resolved.