China imposes temporary tariffs of up to 62 per cent on European pork
China has introduced temporary import tariffs on pork from the European Union. The duties range from 15.6 to 62.4 per cent and will apply from 10 September, according to the Chinese ministry of Commerce. Belgian companies fear the impact on their industry.
The tariffs relate to an anti-dumping investigation, after Chinese authorities claimed that European producers had exported pork and by-products at too-low prices.
Last year, the EU exported more than 2 billion euros worth of pork to China – the world’s leading consumer of pork – and the country is facing a domestic oversupply while consumption is faltering.
Belgian companies will feel the impact, according to Michael Gore, managing director of Febev, the federation representing slaughterhouses and meat wholesalers.
“The tariffs will certainly have an impact on production and the value of pig carcasses,” he said. China is a complementary market for products that Belgian consumers do not eat, such as trotters and ears.
"Dozens of containers are now at sea and will be caught out by the measure"
Gore: “These are products that are consumed little or not at all in Belgium and therefore fetch lower prices, but for which China pays a premium because they fit their consumption patterns.”
Belgian exports would be subject to a levy of more than 60 per cent, making its products less attractive. “Dozens of containers are now at sea and will be caught out by the measure,” says Gore.
Pig farmers in Europe are already struggling with reduced demand and problems caused by disease. Belgium only reached an agreement with China in January 2024 to resume exports of pork, which were halted in 2018 after an outbreak of swine fever.
"We will take all the necessary steps to defend our producers"
Febev hopes political and diplomatic efforts will be made to reverse or soften the measure. “Lower duties apply to certain other countries, so there must be room for manoeuvre,” said Gore. “In my opinion, the relationship between Belgium and China is good.”
The measure could further inflame trade tensions between the EU and China. Europe has already imposed import tariffs of up to 45 per cent on Chinese electric cars.
The European Commission described the allegations of dumping as “questionable”. “I can categorically assure you that we will take all the necessary steps to defend our producers,” a Commission spokesperson told a press conference.
A trader selling a pork belly burger in Xi'an, China © PHOTO SEBASTIAN KAHNERT / DPA
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