The new Chinese import duties on European pork and by-products come into effect immediately. The rates range from 4.9 to 19.8 percent and apply to exporters from various EU countries. This ends earlier higher temporary import fines.
The tariffs are the result of an investigation started in 2024. China claims that dumping has occurred, where products were brought to the Chinese market at prices that are too low. Based on that investigation, definitive rates have now been established per EU country.
The rates are not the same for all countries and companies. China distinguishes between exporters from different EU countries. Depending on the country and the involved producers, a lower or higher percentage applies within the established range.
In Spain, representatives of the agricultural sector have welcomed the outcome positively. They point out that for the majority of Spanish companies a rate of 9.8 percent applies. According to them, this is clearly below the upper limit and below earlier temporary levies. Spanish meat exporters therefore speak of a relatively favorable outcome.
Previously, the temporary Chinese duties on European pork were considerably higher. These could rise to more than sixty percent. Compared to that, the now established rates are lower, although they will remain in effect for five years.
This measure does not stand alone. It fits into a broader series of trade measures between China and the European Union. Europe has recently announced higher tariffs on various Chinese products, including industrial goods such as Chinese electric cars.
The flow of cheap consumer products from Chinese webshops to European consumers also plays a role in the trade conflict. Within the EU, a decision has been made to impose extra taxes on small packages delivered by webshops to private consumers. This concerns a few euros on hundreds of millions of shipments per year.
There is still uncertainty about the precise connection between all the measures. Not all EU countries take the same steps at the same time, and some decisions run ahead of joint agreements. However, it is clear that the trade relationship between China and the EU is under increasing pressure and that the consequences are becoming increasingly visible.