China may take provisional anti-dumping measures against EU pork if necessary: commerce ministry

BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China may levy provisional anti-dumping tariffs on the pork and pig by-products imported from the European Union in accordance with the result of the ongoing anti-dumping investigation which started on June 17, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, made the remarks at a regular press conference on Thursday, when responding to a question about whether China will impose temporary tariffs on pork imports from the EU.

China has on Monday launched an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig by-products imported from the EU, He said.

"If the EU's dumping practice has been confirmed after preliminary investigation and has caused damage to Chinese domestic industries, temporary anti-dumping measures might be taken in accordance with World Trade Organization rules and China's anti-dumping regulations," He said.

After the investigation is completed, the Ministry of Commerce will make a final ruling, and anti-dumping duties may be imposed if the relevant regulations are complied with, the spokesperson said.

The probe is looking into certain pork and pig by-products originating from the EU from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023, and is expected to end before June 17, 2025, but may be extended for half a year under special circumstances.

When asked about whether China will initiate anti-dumping probe on EU dairy imports, He said that the investigation agency will review applications filed by domestic industries in accordance with the law.

"If the conditions for filing a case are met, the investigation agency will start the filing procedure, and disclose and release announcements in accordance with the law," said He.