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The Ministry of Commerce Photo: VCG

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Monday announced that at the request of the Chinese domestic industry, it will launch an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig by-products originating from the EU. An official said that the investigation is in line with relevant Chinese laws and regulations and in compliance with WTO rules. 

The announcement came just days after the European Commission (EC), the executive body of the EU, announced last week that it would impose additional tariffs of up to 38.1 percent on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China starting in July. Monday's announcement also confirmed an exclusive report from the Global Times that relevant Chinese industries were gathering evidence to apply for a probe. 

In the announcement, MOFCOM said that the China Animal Agriculture Association on June 6, on behalf of the Chinese pork and pig by-products industry, submitted an application for an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig by-products originating from the EU. After a review into the application, MOFCOM determined that the application meets requirements for launching an investigation in accordance with the relevant laws. 

The investigation starts on Monday and will be completed by June 17, 2025. The duration could be extended by six months in special circumstances, according to MOFCOM.

An official with the Trade Remedy and Investigation Bureau of the MOFCOM said that the investigation was launched after the domestic industry filed an application. The investigation authorities reviewed the application in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations and in compliance with WTO rules. 

"The investigation authorities will conduct the investigation in accordance with the law, fully protect the rights of all stakeholders, and make objective and fair rulings based on the investigation results," the official said. 

In contrast, the EC's investigation was launched without application from relevant industries in the EU, and the investigation process was unfair, unobjective and in potential violation of WTO rules, Chinese experts said, calling the EC's move pure political manipulation.=

The investigation could have major implications for the EU meat industry. In 2023, China imported $6 billion worth of pork, with more than half imported from the EU, Reuters reported on Friday.

On May 25, citing a business insider, the Global Times reported that relevant Chinese industries were preparing evidence, as they planned to apply to competent authorities to launch an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain pork from the EU.

The announcement of the probe came just days after the EC announced that it would impose additional provisional tariffs between 17.4 percent and 38.1 percent on EVs from China, which prompted harsh criticism from Chinese officials, and industry and business groups. Chinese officials have repeatedly vowed to take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. 

In addition to the anti-dumping investigation, the Global Times has learned from a business insider that relevant Chinese industries are preparing evidence, as they plan to apply to competent authorities to launch an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of certain dairy products from the EU.

Moreover, China is internally moving ahead with the procedure to raise the temporary tariff rate on imported cars with large-displacement engines, Yuyuantantian, a social media account affiliated with China Media Group, reported last week. A Chinese auto industry insider previously told the Global Times that China should consider raising the temporary tariff rate on imported cars with engines larger than 2.5 liters - the move could have a major impact imported vehicles from the EU.

Global Times