China’s retaliatory tariffs to squeeze EU pork producers
By Gus Trompiz
PARIS (Reuters) -European pork producers face a squeeze on revenue margins after China, their largest market, imposed anti-dumping duties of as much as 62.4% on imports of EU pork merchandise.
The provisional tariffs, efficient on Wednesday, goal over $2 billion value of annual exports and threaten to erode margins throughout the European Union’s pork sector.
China accounts for 1 / 4 of EU pork exports. Shipments to China rose 4% within the first half of 2025 after a three-year decline.
Offal merchandise — resembling pig ears, noses and ft — make up greater than half of those exports, in accordance with Rabobank. This stuff are well-liked in China however have restricted demand elsewhere, leaving European producers few different markets.
“We’ll proceed exporting however at decrease worth,” stated Thierry Meyer, vice chairman of French pork business group Inaporc.
He warned that the duties, mixed with a stronger euro, may stress exporters and cut back farmgate costs, doubtlessly slowing pig manufacturing in Europe.
The sector had lately begun recovering, helped by falling enter prices for feed and vitality. The brand new tariffs now threaten that rebound.
On Friday, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated a preliminary investigation discovered proof of dumping that harmed its home producers.
The investigation and duties are broadly considered as retaliation for EU tariffs on Chinese language electrical automobiles, escalating commerce tensions which have additionally seen Beijing examine European brandy and dairy.
European pork producers had hoped that Beijing’s choice to increase the investigation for six months in June meant a decision to the broader EV dispute was inside attain.
FEW ALTERNATIVE MARKETS FOR OFFAL
Preliminary Chinese language tariffs on EU pork merchandise, to be paid as deposits, vary from 15.6% to 32.7% for firms cooperating with the probe, whereas others face the total 62.4% charge. The investigation is ready to conclude in December.
“Though commerce will proceed, downward stress on EU pig costs is anticipated,” stated Eva Gocsik, world animal protein strategist at Rabobank. She famous that different markets like pet meals provide restricted margins for offal, whereas diverting non-offal meat may intensify worth competitors in different markets.
Spain is probably the most uncovered EU nation, accounting for almost half of pork exports to China, adopted by the Netherlands, Denmark, and France. Spanish pork group Interporc and the Danish Agriculture & Meals Council, which represents agri-food sectors together with pork, stated they might proceed partaking with Chinese language authorities throughout the investigation.
