EU launches anti-dumping probe into Chinese duck meat imports

The European Union has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into duck meat imports from China, a move that is expected to intensify trade friction between the two economic powers.

The investigation, announced in the EU Official Journal, focuses on allegations that China is selling Peking duck meat to the European market at prices significantly below fair market value. Peking duck is a popular dish in Europe, with duck farming for this purpose established in countries like France, Hungary, and Poland. The EU duck meat market is valued at approximately 800 million euros (about $860 million) annually, with Chinese imports accounting for about 199 million euros.

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The European Commission has launched an investigation into Chinese companies selling Peking duck meat to the European market at unfairly low prices.

Five unnamed European duck producers filed a complaint in May, asserting that low-priced Chinese imports are undermining the European poultry market. The European Commission suspects that Chinese duck farmers receive benefits such as government subsidies, preferential loans, and low-cost feed, enabling them to engage in dumping practices. If found guilty of dumping, the EU could impose additional tariffs on Chinese duck meat, regardless of whether it is fresh, frozen, or smoked, on top of existing import duties.

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The EU is targeting Chinese agriculture, expanding its trade war with China to a new level, after previously focusing on industrial products like automobiles.

This investigation marks a new phase in the EU's trade actions against China, which have previously targeted industrial products like electric vehicles and chemical raw materials. The EU has imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese electric cars, leading to retaliatory measures from China on European products such as cognac and pork. The European poultry industry association, AVEC, has expressed hope for the swift imposition of tariffs that would restore fair trade conditions.

The timing of the investigation is notable, occurring shortly before new EU regulations prohibiting the use of the "Peking duck" name for non-Chinese products take effect under a geographical indication agreement. Experts warn that China might retaliate, viewing the EU's actions as a response to its previous trade disputes. This development occurs amidst ongoing efforts by the EU and China to de-escalate trade tensions, following a recent meeting between EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.

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Given that Peking duck is perhaps the most symbolic of Chinese cuisine, we must be prepared for China to retaliate, viewing this European measure as a response to its previous anti-dumping ruling on European cognac.