China launches anti-dumping investigation into EU pork as trade tensions rise | Wilnesh News

Beijing launched an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork products from the European Union, days after Brussels raised tariffs on Chinese cars.

Chinese Ministry of Commerce An investigation into imported pork and its by-products originating in the EU, including pig offal, lard, intestines, bladders and stomachs, was announced on Monday.

The investigation is expected to be concluded within 12 months but may be extended for a further six months, the ministry said.

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said the EU pork investigation was Beijing’s retaliation for recent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

“This is not the first time an investigation announced in one jurisdiction has received the same response, so it is not surprising given the EU’s EV investigation,” a spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC.

When answering questions, Chinese Ministry of Commerce official The investigation was initially initiated by a formal complaint from the China Animal Husbandry Association, a domestic industry group.

The official added that the investigating authority determined that the request met the criteria for initiating an investigation under Chinese and World Trade Organization laws.

A copy of the complaint shared by the Ministry of Commerce accused the EU pork industry of overcapacity and benefiting from huge subsidies, which it said had impacted China’s domestic pork industry.

The filing’s wording mirrors similar recent accusations by Western officials and industry against China’s electric vehicle and solar exports.

Last week, the European Commission announced after an investigation that it would impose additional countervailing duties of up to 38% on imported Chinese cars.

In May, the United States imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicle imports, up from the previous 25%. Import taxes on Chinese solar cells have doubled – from 25% to 50% – while tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum have tripled.

Beijing criticizes EU moveA Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday that Beijing would take “all necessary measures” to defend its trade interests as well as WTO rules and market principles.

At the same time, the announcement of the investigation has raised concerns in the European Union’s pork industry, while China is one of the world’s largest markets.

this The Danish Agriculture and Food Council told Reuters If China restricted European meat imports, its industry would be severely hit.

Meanwhile, Spain – the EU’s largest pork exporter to China – Call on EU officials to find a solution as soon as possible to avoid damaging tariffs, the report added.

— CNBC’s Evelyn Cheng contributed to this report.