Chinese tariffs threaten European pork sector

The European pork sector and the entire pork value chain are deeply concerned by the results of the anti-dumping investigation carried out by the Chinese authorities last year, as well as the temporary measures imposed on our industry.

It's too early to assess the full economic impact, but it will be felt across the Union. Producers in Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark will be hit the hardest, although the consequences will also affect farmers and processors across Europe.

CHINA is the world's largest pork importer, and the European Union is its main supplier. In 2024 , the EU exported over 1.1 million tonnes of pork to China, and before these measures were introduced, the forecast for 2025 was positive. This trade relationship is based on the EU's ability to supply large volumes of safe, high-quality pork at competitive prices.

EU exporters have also achieved a high level of specialization in products specifically designed for the Chinese market. Much of this output is not consumed in the EU due to consumer preferences. Redirecting these volumes to alternative markets only partially compensates for the disruption, as few markets can absorb such volumes at comparable prices.

As a result, we expect an immediate drop in sales and order cancellations, leading to a sharp decline in margins. Increased domestic supply will put downward pressure on prices , ultimately hitting European farmers the hardest.

This situation exacerbates existing challenges facing the pork production chain, including recent animal epidemics and other trade restrictions imposed in several Member States. The new measures threaten to further destabilize an already strained sector.

At the UECBV, we are working closely with our members and the European Commission to assess the impact, explore mitigation strategies, and strengthen the resilience of the EU pig sector. Our priority is   supporting producers, processors, and traders across the Union during this challenging period, and we hope that constructive dialogue between the EU and China will help reduce current tensions and restore balanced trade relations.