China has reduced tariffs on pork imports from the EU three times

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced tariffs of up to 19.8% on pork imports from the European Union, down from a previous tariff of 62.4%. The AP reports.

The ministry’s statement came after China launched an investigation into European pork imports after the EU imposed temporary tariffs on Chinese electric cars.

Beijing also imposed anti-dumping duties on European brandy, including French cognac, although large producers were exempted. Imports of dairy products from the EU were also subject to an anti-dumping investigation.

The EU has a large trade deficit with China, exceeding €300 billion ($348 billion) last year. At the same time, the bloc remains a major exporter of pork and an important supplier of offal such as ears, snouts, paws and other delicacies that are in demand in China.

In September, China imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties in the form of security deposits ranging from 15.6% to 32.7% on imports of pork from EU companies cooperating in the investigation, and up to 62.4% for other suppliers.

China’s Ministry of Commerce concluded that the EU was dumping pork and pork by-products on the Chinese market, selling them at prices below cost or domestic prices, which was hurting China’s pork industry. The final tariff rates, ranging from 4.9% to 19.8%, will take effect on Wednesday and will be in effect for five years.

Tags: EU, China, pork