• China imposes anti-dumping duties on EU pork ranging from 4.9% to 19.8%.
• The duties are effective for five years, starting December 17.
• Final rates are significantly lower than preliminary tariffs imposed earlier.
• Imported pork products include fresh, frozen, and various by-products.
• Lower tariffs come as a response to trade tensions regarding electric vehicles.

China's Ministry of Commerce has announced new anti-dumping duties on European Union pork products, set between 4.9% and 19.8%, effective December 17. This decision follows an 18-month investigation that confirmed EU pork imports were "being dumped," leading to significant harm to domestic producers, according to a statement from the ministry. The duties apply to various pork products, including fresh, frozen, and offal, and will be in place for five years, as reported by Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

This latest ruling reflects a reduction from preliminary duties of up to 62.4% proposed in September, indicating a possible easing of trade tensions linked to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Even Rogers Pay, a director at Trivium China, commented that the lower rates signify "constructive negotiations" between China and the EU, noting the importance of these discussions for the economic relationship, as highlighted by Reuters and South China Morning Post.

This investigation, initiated in June 2022, coincides with China's ongoing scrutiny of EU exports and trade practices, demonstrating a focused effort to protect its domestic pork industry amidst economic pressures. With China being the world's leading consumer of pork, the EU's pork supply constitutes a significant portion of imports, as outlined by Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.