China Slaps Up to 19.8% Anti-Dumping Tariffs on Pork Imports From EU

China will impose tariffs of up to 19.8% on pork imports from the European Union, a sharp drop from preliminary tariffs of up to 62.4%, its Commerce Ministry said, Elaine Kurtenbach reported for the Associated Press (AP).

China concluded that the EU was dumping pork and pig byproducts, selling them at prices below production costs or domestic market prices and harming China’s pork industry. (Photo: De Heus Animal Nutrition)

The announcement followed an investigation China launched into pork imports from the trading bloc after the EU imposed provisional tariffs on China-made electric vehicles (EVs).

Beijing also levied anti-dumping duties on European brandy — notably cognac produced in France — though major producers received exemptions.

Imports of dairy products from the EU were also subjected to anti-dumping probes.

The EU runs a massive trade deficit with China, totaling more than 300 billion euros ($348 billion) last year. The bloc is a major exporter of pork and a key supplier of byproducts such as ears, snouts, feet, and other items considered delicacies in China.

In September, China ordered preliminary anti-dumping duties, in the form of security deposits, of 15.6% to 32.7% for pork imports from EU companies that cooperated with the investigation, and up to 62.4% for all others.

China concluded that the EU was dumping pork and pig byproducts, selling them at prices below production costs or domestic market prices and harming China’s pork industry.

The final tariff rates of 4.9% to 19.8% are set to take effect Wednesday and will remain in place for five years.