July 31, 2024

 

China issues questionnaires for anti-dumping probe on EU pork imports

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced that it has issued questionnaires related to anti-dumping cases concerning pork and swine by-products imported from the EU, Global Times reported.

 

This is part of the ministry's anti-dumping probe into EU pork that began on June 17, 2024.

 

Experts highlighted that this move aims to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the domestic industry, aligning with domestic laws and international trade practices. This approach contrasts with the European Commission's (EC) investigation into China-made electric vehicles (EVs).

 

The MOFCOM stated that the questionnaires were sent to foreign exporters or producers, domestic producers, and domestic importers.

 

On July 18, the ministry announced that investigating authorities would use a sampling method in the anti-dumping probe into EU pork. Based on initial sampling, the investigation identified three EU exporters - Danish Crown A/S, VION Boxtel, and LITERA MEAT - as sampled exporters, along with 24 domestic producers as sampled domestic enterprises.

 

The ministry specified that the three sampled exporters should complete the questionnaire in full as required. Other non-sampled exporters may voluntarily complete and submit the questionnaire as well. The investigating authorities will review the questionnaires submitted by non-sampled companies and calculate individual dumping margins, provided this review does not impede the timely completion of the dumping investigation.

 

"This is part of the country's push for an anti-dumping investigation into EU pork imports, and it is the protection of legitimate rights and interests of domestic producers," Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday.

 

In a notice issued on June 17, the MOFCOM stated that the China Animal Agriculture Association applied for an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and swine by-products originating from the EU on June 6.

 

After reviewing the application, the MOFCOM determined that it met the requirements for launching an investigation in accordance with relevant laws.

 

The probe will examine certain pork and swine by-products originating from the EU from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The investigation is expected to conclude before June 17, 2025, but may be extended for half a year under special circumstances.

 

Wang noted that China's anti-dumping investigations adhere strictly to domestic legal procedures and international trade rules, contrasting with the EC's decision to impose provisional additional tariffs on Chinese EVs.

 

-      Global Times