China imposes definitive tariffs on European pork: Spain affected with rates of up to 19,8%

 

El Ministry of Commerce of China has imposed definitive tariffs of between 4,9% and 19,8% on imports of pork and pork by-products European Union (EU)The measure, in effect for five years, is a response to an investigation into dumping and acts as trade retaliation following European tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

 

This decision confirms the trade tensions between the two powers, although the final rates are substantially lower than the provisional tariffs of up to 62,4% that were considered in September. The investigation, launched in June 2024, concluded that European imports harm the local pork industry. Spain It is positioned as the country most affected by this regulation, being the main exporter to the region along with Netherlands y Denmark.

 

Official data reflects the magnitude of the impact on Spain's export sector, which led shipments to the Asian giant in 2024. The key figures for the affected trade are detailed below:

 

Concept	Key Data
Main affected	Spain
Export volume (2024)	540.000 tonnes
Export value	1.097 millones de euros
Duration of the measure	5 years in the Making

 

Breakdown of rates by company and affected products

 

The tariff regime established by Beijing discriminates based on the degree of collaboration between companies during the research phase. The Spanish company Litera Meat has obtained the most favorable rate, set at 4,9%. Meanwhile, a group of cooperating companies, including The hole, Sanchez Romero Carvajal, argal, Campofrio, Noel y FriselvaThey will face a tax of 9,8%.

 

The scenario is more complex for those firms that did not cooperate with the Chinese authorities, such as the Dutch one. Vion, to which the maximum rate of 19,8% will be applied. It should be noted that these new tariffs antidumping These are in addition to the previous 12% tariff that the sector already faced, although the Spanish industry perceives the final rates as a relief compared to the initial threat.

 

Regarding the scope of the product, the restrictions affect:

 

• Fresh, chilled or frozen meat.
• Fats and viscera.
• High-demand offal in China such as ears, snouts and feet.
• Key exception: Iberian ham is excluded from these measures.

 

The following table breaks down the percentages applied according to the entity:

 

Company / Category	Tariff Rate	Status
Litera Meat (Spain)	4,9 %	Outstanding collaborator
Cooperating Group (El Pozo, Campofrío, etc.)	9,8 %	Partners
Non-Cooperators (e.g., Vion)	19,8 %	Without collaboration

 

Political reactions to the trade escalation

 

El Chinese Ministry of Commerce He defended the rigor of the process, stating in a press release that the conclusions were reached in a objective, fair and impartialAccording to Beijing, EU products have been proven to be They were being dumped, causing significant damage to the domestic industry..

 

From Europe, the response was not long in coming. Olof Gill, Trade spokesperson for the European Commission, has criticized what he considers a misuse of China's trade defense instruments, assuring that Brussels will everything possible to protect its producers.

 

For his part, the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, louis planes, has adopted a pragmatic but optimistic tone. I think we have underestimated what this investigation could have been.Planas declared, emphasizing the capacity for future negotiation: Everything is reversible. These are tariffs for five years, but they can always be reviewed in one way or another. The door is open to it..

 

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about pork tariffs

 

Why has China imposed these tariffs on pork?

Officially, it is the result of an investigation that proved the existence of dumping (selling below cost) that harms Chinese industry. Geopolitically, it is considered a direct reprisal for the tariffs that the UE imposed Chinese electric vehicles.

 

Which specific products are affected and which are spared?

The measure taxes fresh, chilled, and frozen pork, as well as fats and offal commonly consumed in China (ears, snouts, trotters). However, high value-added products such as Iberian ham have been excluded from this regulation.

 

Is this a final and unchangeable measure?

The tariffs are final for a period of five years. However, the minister louis planes has indicated that the situation is reversible and that there is room for review and diplomatic negotiation during this period.