Flanders urges EU action against Chinese tariffs on Belgian pork

17 November 2025

Flemish minister of Agriculture Jo Brouns has urged the European Commission to take action against the high import tariffs imposed by China on Belgian pork. "Our pig farmers should not be the victims of a geopolitical trade conflict," he said.

"The Commission must step up its diplomatic efforts and introduce compensatory measures if this situation does not change," he said on Monday.

Chinese import tariffs on European pork vary between member states, but are highest in Belgium at 62.4 per cent.

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...

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Since June last year, China has been conducting an anti-dumping investigation into European pork, a move that can be seen as retaliation for European levies on Chinese electric vehicles.

'Non-cooperating'

Belgium was given the highest import tariffs because it was classified as a "non-cooperating" country as it did not provide sufficient data.

This lack of data is, in turn, related to the earlier embargo on pork due to African swine fever, during which time there were no exports and Belgian companies were unable to cooperate.

According to Brouns, the economic consequences of the intervention are "immediately noticeable". The export of by-products such as pig ears and trotters, for example, is becoming almost impossible.

United front

This inability to export is causing surpluses and putting pressure on prices in the European market. Febev, the Belgian meat sector federation, is warning of serious disruption to margins and market dynamics.

Brouns also raised this concern with the EU's Council of agriculture ministers on Monday. He called for "European solidarity and intensified diplomatic efforts towards China to remedy this unfair situation for Flemish pig farmers".

"It is crucial that the European Union forms a united front," he said. "The current system of differentiated tariffs plays directly into China's hands and threatens both our agricultural sector and the effectiveness of European trade policy. Our pig farmers should not be the victims of a geopolitical trade conflict."

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