China has extended its anti-dumping investigation into pork products imported from the European Union, further straining trade relations between the two economic giants. The investigation, launched last year, will now continue for an additional six months, with a new expiration date of December 16.
The trade spat between China and the EU began last summer when the EU proposed imposing significant tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, citing unfair state subsidies that undercut European competitors. In response, Beijing launched probes into imported European pork, brandy, and dairy products, which were widely seen as retaliatory measures.
The EU imposed extra import taxes of up to 35 percent on Chinese EV imports last October, prompting China to lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organization. The WTO has since agreed to set up an expert panel to assess the EU’s decision.
Despite these tensions, China and the EU are set to host a summit next month to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties. According to official statements, the two sides will discuss setting minimum prices for Chinese EVs in Europe and opening a “green channel” for rare earth exports to the 27-nation bloc.
The complexity of this case has led to the extension of the investigation period, the Chinese commerce ministry said in a brief statement. This move underscores the ongoing trade pressure points between China and the EU, with both sides navigating a delicate balance of power and economic interests.
The trade tensions between China and the European Union over pork imports have been escalating, with China extending its anti-dumping investigation into EU pork products by six months. This decision, announced by the Chinese commerce ministry, cites the complexity of the case as the reason for the extension, with the new deadline set for December 16. The investigation was launched last year in response to the EU’s imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which Beijing claims unfairly target Chinese companies.
The EU’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles have sparked retaliatory measures from China, including probes into imported European pork, brandy, and dairy products. The EU is a significant supplier of pork to China, with Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark being major exporters. Any restrictions on EU pork imports could benefit non-EU suppliers, such as those from South America, the United States, and Russia. Despite these tensions, China and the EU are set to host a summit next month to discuss trade relations, including potential agreements on minimum prices for Chinese electric vehicles in Europe.