European pork heavyweights Danish Crown, Vion, and Litera Meat have been identified by China in its anti-dumping inquiry into European Union pork imports. This move is seen as a response to the EU imposing high tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicle exports. The investigation targets pork products intended for human consumption, such as fresh, cold, and frozen whole cuts, as well as pig intestines, bladders, and stomachs.
According to China’s official state news agency Xinhua, the three companies will undergo the anti-dumping investigation through sampling. Additionally, 24 domestic Chinese companies have been selected to provide input on the impact of these imports on local pork producers.
To expedite the investigation process and prevent overburdening authorities, a select few EU exporters, including Danish Crown, Vion, and Litera Meat, have been chosen to fill out questionnaires within a specified timeframe. The anti-dumping investigation, initiated on 17 June, focuses on pork and pig by-products from the EU between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023, with an anticipated completion date of 17 June 2025, extendable by six months if necessary.
News agency Reuters highlighted potential adverse effects on European pork exports to China, especially concerning less commonly consumed parts like pig ears, noses, feet, and offal. Danish Crown confirmed its participation and cooperation in the investigation, while Vion and Litera Meat have yet to respond to requests for comment.
In response to China’s announcement, we has reached out to the three companies for their perspectives. China’s strategic selection of these companies could be linked to their countries’ support of the EU’s electric vehicle tariff measures. Notably, Spain is the largest EU pork supplier to China, followed by the Netherlands, Denmark, and France.
Chinese customs data shows that in 2023, China imported over $6bn worth of pork, with more than half originating from the EU. The practice of ‘dumping,’ selling goods at significantly lower prices in an importing country than in the producer country, is at the core of this investigation.
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