Launched in June 2024, the investigation is widely viewed as a retaliatory move by Beijing in response to EU tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles. The probe affects over $2 billion worth of pork exports, mainly from Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
The decision comes as Beijing and Brussels continue negotiations on a possible deal to resolve the EV tariff dispute. As a gesture of goodwill, China has recently taken steps to ease trade tensions, including expanding market access for Spanish cherries and select pork products, and offering to streamline export licenses for rare earth magnets to EU companies.
A significant portion of EU pork exports to China consists of offal — such as pig ears, snouts, and feet — which are highly valued in Chinese cuisine but have limited demand elsewhere. In 2024, China imported $4.8 billion worth of pork and pork products, more than half of which came from the EU. Spain leads the bloc in terms of export volume.
While the extension prolongs uncertainty for the European pork sector, industry representatives welcomed the move as an opportunity for continued dialogue.
“We’d rather that they take the time for consultations before any decision is made,” said Anne Richard, director of France’s pork industry association INAPORC.
“It means six more months of waiting, and the cloud of uncertainty remains. But we remain confident and calm,” added Giuseppe Aloisio, Director General of Spain’s meat industry association ANICE.
thepigsite.com