June 19, 2024

 

China launches investigation into EU pork imports following tariffs on electric cars

 

China has initiated an investigation into pork imports from the European Union after the bloc imposed anti-subsidy duties on Chinese-made electric cars, Al Jazeera reported.

 

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated it will focus on pork products for human consumption, including fresh, cold, and frozen whole cuts, as well as swine intestines, bladders, and stomachs.

 

"The Ministry of Commerce has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports of relevant pork and pig by-products originating from the European Union," the ministry said in a statement.

 

Pork is China's most popular meat and a staple across the country. Beijing's customs data reveal that imports of pork and pork by-products from EU countries totalled over US$3 billion last year.

 

The probe into EU pork imports follows the EU's decision last week to impose additional tariffs, up to 38.1%, on Chinese electric car imports starting next month after an anti-subsidy investigation. The European Commission cited "unfair subsidisation" in China, which it said "is causing a threat of economic injury" to EU electric car manufacturers.

 

The EU proposed provisional tariff increases on Chinese electric car manufacturers, including 17.4% for BYD, 20% for Geely, and 38.1% for SAIC.

 

A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that the bloc is not concerned about China's investigation and "will follow the proceedings very closely in coordination with EU industry and our member states."

 

"We will intervene as appropriate to ensure that the investigation fully complies with all relevant World Trade Organisation rules," spokesperson Olof Gill said.

 

Spain's Agriculture Minister Luis Planas expressed hope for a mutual understanding regarding the decision.

 

Spain is the EU's largest exporter of pork products to China, selling 560,488 tonnes to the world's second-largest economy last year, with a total value of EUR 1.2 billion (US$1.29 billion), according to the industry body Interporc.

 

The Netherlands and Denmark ranked second and third in exporting pork products to China last year, worth US$620 million and US$550 million, respectively.

 

-      Al Jazeera