China did not hesitate: a powerful blow has been dealt to European industry

China, the largest buyer of pork from the EU, decided to introduce anti-dumping duties. This creates a serious problem for meat producers who are forced to look for alternative markets.

China has imposed anti-dumping duties of 62.4% on pork imports from the European Union. The duties have already entered into force and cover exports worth more than $ 2 billion. This poses a serious threat to the entire sector, as China is the largest recipient of this type of meat. The country accounts for a quarter of pork exports to the EU.

Deliveries to the countries of the East increased by 4% in the first half of 2025 after the previous three-year decline. The most vulnerable countries are Spain (half of EU exports), the Netherlands, Denmark and France. The consequences for the domestic market will also be felt.

"Restricting access to the Chinese market may lead to a significant surplus of pork in Europe, which will certainly affect prices," said Veslav Ruzhansky, president of the Union of Producers and Employers of the Meat Industry (UPEMI).

China is also one of the most important consumers of offal, such as pig ears, noses and feet. They account for more than half of exports. In other countries, the demand for this type of meat is not very high.

"We will continue to export, but at a lower price," said Thierry Meyer, vice president of the French pig breeding group Inaporc.

Meyer also said that the duties, along with the strengthening of the euro, could put pressure on exporters and lead to lower purchase prices and a slowdown in pork production in Europe. Meanwhile, the sector has recently started to recover thanks to lower quotas for feed and energy production.