China cuts tariffs on EU pork imports after lengthy investigation

A final anti-dumping decision sharply reduces tariffs, easing pressure on European exporters and providing modest support to China’s struggling pork sector. China has significantly reduced tariffs on pork imports from the European Union, partially relieving European producers following an 18-month anti-dumping investigation that was widely seen as retaliation for EU duties on Chinese electric vehicles. In its final decision, published Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce set new tariffs ranging from 4.9% to 19.8% on EU pork imports for a five-year period beginning Wednesday. This move marks a sharp reduction from the preliminary rates of 15.6% to 62.4% imposed in September. Importers will be refunded any difference in duties paid since the preliminary decision. The court’s decision affects over $2 billion worth of EU pork exports to China and comes as a relief to producers heavily dependent on the Chinese market, particularly for offal such as pig ears and feet, for which demand ...