After investigation, China cuts tariffs on European pork

China sharply reduced tariffs last week on pork imports from the European Union, valued at more than US$ 2.0 billion, in the final decision of an antidumping investigation widely seen as a response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Reuters reported.

China will impose tariffs ranging from 4.9% to 19.8% on pork imports from the bloc for a five-year period, significantly lower than the 15.6%–62.4% applied in a preliminary decision in September, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce. Importers will receive refunds for the difference between the rates paid since September.

The decision provides partial relief for European producers, who rely heavily on the Chinese market, particularly for offal such as pig ears and feet, which are rarely consumed elsewhere.

In 2024, China imported pork worth US$ 4.8 billion, including offal, more than half of which came from the EU, with Spain leading the bloc in export volumes.