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During the EU Agriculture Ministers' Council meeting on November 17, Belgium presented an AOB point focused on the anti-dumping investigation that China is conducting on European pork, a process that, according to the country, has become a direct threat to the internal market and to the cohesion of the EU pork sector itself.
The Chinese investigation began on June 17, 2024, targeting fresh, chilled, and frozen pig meat and pork products from the EU. China decided to extend the proceedings until December 16, 2025, and on September 5, published preliminary findings that, according to Beijing, confirm the existence of dumping. Consequently, on September 10, provisional antidumping duties were applied, varying significantly depending on the level of cooperation of the companies involved.
- 15.6%-32.7% for cooperating companies,
- 62.4% for non-cooperative companies or those not included in the initial investigation.
Belgium falls into this latter group due to the embargo imposed by China following the 2018 African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. Because the country was unable to participate in the investigation, its companies now face a 62.4% tariff, making exports unfeasible.
Belgium emphasised that, while its case is the most extreme, the situation affects all exporting Member States and could erode European solidarity, as the differentiated tariff system divides the sector by country and company. Therefore, it requested the Commission:
- Strengthen diplomatic channels to prevent an escalation of the trade conflict.
- Guarantee equal treatment for all Member States in the Chinese investigation.
- Assess support or emergency measures if an uneven playing field persists.
The Belgian government insisted that only a coordinated EU response can prevent further deterioration of the European pork market.
November 17, 2025 / Council of the European Union/ European Union.
