Belgium warns of impact of Chinese anti-dumping measures on EU pork

At the meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers on November 17, Belgium presented an AOB item on China’s anti-dumping investigation into European pork. The country considered this process a direct threat to the internal market and the integrity of the EU pork sector.

China’s investigation began on June 17, 2024, and covered fresh, chilled, and frozen pork and pork products from the EU. China decided to extend the investigation until December 16, 2025, and on September 5, it published preliminary findings, which Beijing believes confirm dumping. As a result, provisional anti-dumping duties were imposed on September 10, the amount of which varied significantly depending on the level of cooperation of the companies involved.

15.6–32.7% for cooperating companies,

62.4% for non-cooperating companies or companies not covered by the initial investigation.

Belgium falls into this last group due to the embargo imposed by China following the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in 2018. Because the country was unable to participate in the investigation, its companies now face a 62.4% tariff, making exports impossible.

Belgium emphasized that, although its case is the most extreme, the situation affects all exporting Member States and could undermine European solidarity, as the differentiated tariff system divides the sector by country and company. Therefore, it asked the European Commission to:

Strengthen diplomatic channels to prevent an escalation of the trade conflict.

Guarantee equal treatment for all Member States involved in the China investigation.

Evaluate support measures or emergency measures if the unequal conditions persist.

The Belgian government insisted that only coordinated EU action can prevent a further deterioration in the European pork market.

Tags: China, pork, EU, restrictions