Beijing has recently intensified its pressure on the European pig sector in response to the tariffs imposed by Brussels on ‘Made in China’ electric cars. In an assertive move, China is set to implement provisional tariffs of up to 62.4% on various EU meat exports. Although Spain’s employers’ organization has indicated that Spanish companies will face a lower tariff rate of 20% or even less in some cases, it is Russia that stands to gain the most from China’s decision.
As Moscow aims to capture a larger share of the Asian market, the situation creates both opportunities and challenges for Europe and its agricultural sectors.
What happened?
The European pig industry faced a turbulent start in September. On Friday, the Ministry of Commerce of China announced that it would impose provisional tariffs up to 62.4% on a range of pig products and by-products, marking a significant blow for the European sector. Each year, the EU exports thousands of tons of pork to China, making it one of its largest markets. According to the Pig333 specialized platform, more than 1.1 million tons of pork were exported from the EU to non-member countries during the first quarter of 2025. Spain accounted for a staggering 35% of these exports, followed by the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland; however, China was the main destination, importing 296,500 tons of that total.
What does a rate of 62.4% mean?
While the 62.4% tariff may sound devastating, the impact won’t be uniform across all EU countries. The interprofessional organization Interporc emphasizes that the Spanish industry will fare relatively better than its European counterparts. While other nations may face the full brunt of the higher tariff, local firms are expected to contend with a significantly lower penalty of about 20% .
Why is that the case? As reported by EFE, the highest tariffs will apply to companies that do not facilitate cooperation with Chinese authorities. Those that collaborate can expect to enjoy reduced rates, such as the 20% tariff experienced by Spanish companies like Noel, Campofrío, and Carrnicas Five Villas. This exemption highlights the complex fabric of international trade, where cooperation could yield benefits even amid tense relations.
Why these rates?
The underlying reason for these substantial tariffs can be traced back to automotive policies . Although the pork and automotive industries may seem unrelated, trade policies often overlap. The European Union’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles triggered a retaliatory strike from Beijing targeting the EU’s pig industry, which heavily relies on exports to China.
Chinese authorities initiated an anti-dumping investigation into EU pork imports, claiming the need to protect local industries from unfair competition. This investigation, which started in 2024, has only recently extended its timeline to at least mid-December. The Ministry of Commerce has identified evidence of alleged dumping, which it claims has caused significant damage to domestic companies in China.
Is it so serious?
China is a major producer of pork but, crucially, it also represents a colossal market for imported meat: a flow that generates billions of dollars annually. European exporters, particularly from countries like Spain, find themselves in a strategically vital position to supply this demand despite recent tariff impositions. While Chinese purchases dipped slightly, it remained the primary destination for EU pork, receiving 1.12 million tons in 2024 alone—significantly down from 3.34 million tons in 2020 when the country was grappling with African swine fever.
In Spain specifically, pork exports to China reached 540,000 tons in 2024, valued at 1.097 billion euros , amounting to nearly 20% of Spain’s total pork exports.
Is it bad for everyone?
Interestingly, not every country will suffer from increased tariffs. Russia is likely to view the escalating commercial tensions as an opportunity to penetrate the lucrative Chinese market. After enduring a trade blockade due to health regulations, Russia’s exports of pig products to China had only recently restarted in March 2024. July already saw Russian pork exports to China reaching $12.4 million , a 22% increase compared to June’s numbers.
The Russian government is optimistic about expanding the number of companies permitted to export meat to China, indicating a shift in trade relations. Russian officials recognize that rising tensions between the EU and China could allow them to enhance their competitiveness in the Chinese market.
Is it important?
The stakes are undeniably high for Europe and the global pig market. While individual countries grapple with the implications of these tariffs, Russia is poised to leverage such momentary advantages. This opening could allow Russia to meet, or even exceed, the supply demands typically fulfilled by European producers, which could alter the dynamics of the pork market for years to come.
In this intricate landscape of international trade, the actions taken today will resonate in market shifts, economic policies, and the balance of power among major agricultural exporters.