China’s businesses have formally requested an anti-dumping investigation into meat imports from the European Union, according to the state-backed Global Times, escalating tensions after the bloc imposed anti-subvention duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
After Brussels imposed tariffs of up to 38.1 per share on EVs made in China to protect its car industry from rivals, the walk adds a new dimension to diplomatic tensions in one of the world’s crucial trading relationships.
China imported US$ 6 billion worth of meat in 2023, including meat, with the International accounting for more than quarter, traditions data showed.
No details about the requested anti-dumping investigation were provided in the Global Times report, which was posted on X, and meat products were not known to be the target. The statement did not name any organizations and cited a “business inside” as the cause of its data.
Popular among Chinese buyers are animal parts like feet, ears, and meats, which are essentially unpopular in Europe, giving them a valuable and significant market for Europe.
A animal researcher who declined to be identified because of the awareness of the situation said that “many of the exports from Europe are hardly muscle meat.” China would need to transfer more of the meat from other nations where it is n’t marketed locally, the researcher added.
International food firms are hunched over potential retaliation after the EU announced this week that it would impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. In previous industry squabbles, China has been known to target food items.
Spain was China’s leading provider of meat last year, followed by Brazil and the United States. Another major manufacturers are France, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Foreign companies have the authority to file applications to prompt anti-dumping and anti-subvention investigations into imports of German dairy and pork, according to the country’s commerce ministry on Thursday.
Foreign companies also intend to obtain anti-subvention investigations into EU cheese imports, according to a report from the Global Times newspapers next week, which could hurt key suppliers in the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
The European Commission stated in an email to Reuters about potential China-related inquiries into EU meat and dairy imports that” the Chinese government may demand a dispute arrangement at the World Trade Organization without having to resort to retaliation.”
On Friday, Foreign Premier Li Qiang, on a visit to New Zealand, told firms he sees increasing demand for high- value items such as cheese, wellness products, meat and lamb.  ,
According to state media Xinhua, Li has pledged to increase business accessibility and foster a market-oriented business environment during the trip.
On Thursday, China said it would take” all necessary methods” to protect its interests in the midst of the EU price choice, which is due to take effect from July.
Industry insiders claim that both sides have reasons to strike a deal in the months to come, as the EU process allows for review, and that the EV tariffs drew a strong rebuke from China as well as from European and Chinese automakers.