China investigates dumping against three major EU pork processors

China will examine three major European pork processors as part of its recently announced investigation into alleged “dumping of pork products” on the Chinese market.

Danish Crown (Denmark), Vion Food Group (Netherlands) and Litera Meat (Spain) have all been “selected” for a detailed investigation, Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce said.

In June, China announced it would investigate what it considered unfair trade practices by EU pork exporters after receiving complaints from the China Animal Husbandry Association (CAHA). It is widely believed that China took this step in retaliation for the EU’s decision to impose a levy on imported Chinese electric cars, although Chinese authorities deny this.

Major pork processors in Europe

The three companies now selected are among the largest pork processors in Europe.

Danish Crown, Europe’s largest pork producer, reported sales of EUR 9.1 billion in 2023 and employed 25,800 people. Vion had sales of EUR 5.3 billion and employed around 12,000 people. Third, Litera Meat employs around 1,600 people and is part of the Italian Pini Group, which has annual sales of around EUR 2 billion.

It should be noted that the first two companies on this list are currently in the process of restructuring, which will lead to lower numbers in the coming years.

As for the investigation, all three companies have announced that they will fully cooperate and provide the Chinese authorities with any information they request. They or their national organizations strongly deny the allegations.

“No dumping for European pork products”

Laurens Hoedemaker, chairman of the Dutch industry association COV, told Pig Progress’ sister magazine Boerderij: “There is absolutely no dumping of European pork products on the Chinese market. We are convinced that the investigation will prove this.”

Danish Crown will also fully participate in the Chinese anti-dumping investigation. According to a statement, the company has already submitted information to the Chinese authorities. “Danish Crown has registered to participate in the investigation and has submitted all relevant information to the investigating authority.”

Spain: largest pork exporter to China

Spain is by far the largest exporter of pork and pork products to China. According to Interporc, Spain’s national organization for the pork sector, Spanish pork producers exported 560,448 tons in 2023, with a total value of 1.2 billion euros. About 20% of all Spanish pork exports went to China. From the Chinese perspective, about 21% of all Chinese pork imports come from Spain.

Nevertheless, there are no signs of concern about the Chinese approach here either. Giuseppe Aloisio, general director of the Spanish National Association of Meat Industries (ANICE), said: “Everything is going as expected. The first step of the procedure is the selection of the companies that will be fully investigated. In our country, this is Litera Meat, together with colleagues from the Netherlands and Denmark. We are entering this phase with complete serenity, just like the European Commission. At the same time, we must open and keep open the necessary communication channels between the authorities in China and Spain, as well as the EU. If necessary, we will take the initiative to organize this.”

Reuters news agency said the investigation is expected to be completed in June 2025, but could be extended for another six months.