The Ministry of Commerce Photo: VCG

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Tuesday that, due to the complexity of the case, it has decided to extend the anti-dumping investigation period for certain pork and pig by-products originating from the EU until December 16, 2025, in accordance with the domestic law. 

China started an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig by-products imported from the EU on June 17, 2024, following an application submitted by the China Animal Agriculture Association on behalf of the domestic industry, according to the MOFCOM.

According to last year's official statement, the one-year probe was expected to end before June 17, 2025, but it may be extended for half a year under special circumstances. 

The MOFCOM's announcement on Tuesday came as Chinese and EU trade officials have intensified their engagement, including latest high-level talks between Chinese and EU senior officials in Paris.

Wang Wentao, China's commerce minister, and Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, held talks in Paris on June 3 on the EU's anti-subsidy case involving Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), China's anti-dumping investigation into brandy originating from the EU, export controls and other urgent and important topics, a spokesperson for the MOFCOM said on Saturday.

The two sides conducted focused, candid and in-depth discussions on these issues, and instructed their work teams to step up efforts to make economic and trade preparations for the important agenda between China and the EU this year, the spokesperson said in response to a media inquiry.

Before the MOFCOM launched the investigation last year, the Global Times had learned exclusively from a business insider that relevant Chinese industries were preparing evidence, as they planned to apply to competent authorities to launch an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain pork from the EU. 

Another insider later confirmed to the Global Times that relevant Chinese industries had officially submitted an application for an anti-dumping probe into certain EU pork products.

The investigation authorities reviewed the application in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations and in compliance with WTO rules, and deemed that it met the conditions for launching an anti-dumping investigation, the MOFCOM said last year.

The investigation came after the European Commission, the executive body of the EU, announced in June 2024 that it would impose additional tariffs on EVs imported from China.

During the talks in Paris last week, the two sides also conducted professional and in-depth discussions on the EV case, pushing the case forward in the right direction of a proper solution, the MOFCOM spokesperson said on Saturday.

"Currently, the price commitment consultations between China and the EU on the EV case have entered the final stage, but efforts from both sides are still needed," the spokesperson said.

Global Times