Spain Calls for Negotiations to Avoid Tariffs on Pork Exports to China

MADRID, June 17 (Reuters) – Spain has called for negotiations to prevent tariffs on its pork exports to China, following Beijing’s announcement of an anti-dumping probe into pork imports from the European Union. The investigation appears to mainly target Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark, in response to the EU’s curbs on Chinese electric vehicle exports.

Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas expressed hope for a resolution, stating, “I hope and expect that there will be room for understanding, for negotiation, and to avoid the imposition of tariffs on agricultural and food products.” The probe, announced by China’s commerce ministry, will focus on pork intended for human consumption, including fresh, cold, and frozen whole cuts, as well as pig intestines, bladders, and stomachs

Spain, a leading EU pork exporter, is working with EU officials to avoid damaging tariffs that could impact the industry significantly. The investigation could last more than a year, and immediate measures are not expected.