EU-China Pork Tariffs Escalate: Up to 62.4% Duties. Update & Reactions

1) EU-China Pork Tariffs Escalate: Up to 62.4% Duties & High Stakes for Offal Exporters

What happened:
China has imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties of 15.6% to 62.4% on pork and pork by-products from the EU, effective 10 September 2025. The decision stems from a probe launched in June 2024, alleging EU dumping practices that harmed Chinese producers.

Scope & specifics:

• Covers fresh/frozen pork, offal (feet, ears, snouts), and hog casings.

• Exporters cooperating with Beijing’s probe face duties as low as 15.6–32.7%, while non-cooperating firms get the maximum 62.4%.

• EU’s pork exports to China are worth over $2bn annually, with Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and France most exposed.

Recent reactions:

• EU producer groups warn of “serious damage” to farmers and slaughterhouses reliant on offal exports.

• Exporters are scouting new markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia, but prices are sharply lower.

• Industry strategists warn of cascading effects through slaughterhouse margins and pig prices across the EU.

Implications & suggested actions:

• EU exporters: Re-price and diversify offal flows; explore rerouting into pharma, pet food, or new emerging markets.

• EU producers: Prepare for downward pressure on offal valuations; model cash flow scenarios with higher feed costs.

• Third-country buyers: Monitor EU surplus flows for discounted offers, while non-EU exporters (Brazil, US) may move to fill Chinese demand.

• Everyone: Go to Meat Borsa to list your products for sale or find buyers.

2) Feed Supply & Eastern Europe Drought Risk

EU crop monitors (MARS) downgraded 2025 maize yields due to severe droughts in Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary.
Implication: Higher feed costs will ripple through poultry and pig sectors; farmers should secure contracts early.

3) Ireland: Pig Market Holding Steady

Irish pig prices held last week after a 4c/kg fall, with Grade E pigs averaging €2.02–2.04/kg.
Implication: Brief stability may prove fragile as tariff shocks and feed inflation pressure margins.

Sources

• Reuters – China slaps preliminary anti-dumping duties on EU pork imports

• AP – China to impose preliminary anti-dumping duties on pork from EU

• Financial Times – China hits EU pork imports with temporary duties of up to 62%

• EU SME Centre – China’s Anti-Dumping Investigation – preliminary ruling

• Farm Progress – China hits EU pork with initial duties up to 62%

• S&P Global – Weekly EMEA pork wrap

• Irish Farmers’ Association – Pig Market Report 10th Sept