Chinese probe to EU pork dumping still ongoing, no measures yet

In June 2024, China announced the launch of an investigation into alleged dumping of EU pork on the Chinese market. While no measures have yet been taken, the investigation is still ongoing.

That confirmation was given by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A ministry spokesperson confirmed to Pig Progress that regular dumping probes normally tend to last a year. Depending on the outcomes of the investigation, definitive measures might follow in June.

An entirely different scenario, however, is equally likely: that the investigation period will be extended until December 2025 at the latest. It isn’t ruled out that China may take interim measures. That, however, has not happened yet, even though European slaughterhouses have been preparing for steps that China might take.

In a response, the Dutch Central Organisation for the Meat Sector (COV) said it was “confident” about the outcome of the Chinese probe. Jort Heijmans, communication manager, said, “As we have previously stated, there is absolutely no question of dumping of European pork products on the Chinese market. We are confident that the ongoing investigation by the Chinese authorities will confirm this. The COV and its members have worked diligently to provide the requested information to the Chinese government.”

Heijmans said that pork exports to China have returned to normal levels. In recent years, there has been a significant shortage of pork on the Chinese market due to outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the country. That temporarily caused exports from Europe to surge significantly. Nowadays, however, pork exports have been focusing again on regular products for the Chinese market, like heads, feet and other pig parts which are less common for consumption in Europe.

Heijmans said, “China remains an important sales market for us, because it contributes to the full valorisation of the pig.”

Tags: investigation, China, pork, EU, Market