China Escalates Trade Pressures on European Union with Probes into Pork, Dairy, and Brandy Imports

In a series of rapid trade maneuvers, the Chinese government has initiated multiple investigations and provisional measures targeting key agricultural and beverage exports from the European Union. According to reports from Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on July 21, 2026, that importers of EU-origin brandy must now deposit security clearance fees with Chinese customs. The provisional anti-dumping margins range from 30.6% to 39.0%. This measure heavily impacts French cognac producers, who represent the vast majority of EU brandy exports to China. The French trade association, Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), expressed deep concern, stating that the decision threatens the industry’s market access in China.

Following this, on July 22, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce launched an anti-dumping investigation targeting imported pork and pig by-products from the EU, as reported by Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times. The probe focuses on pork products intended for human consumption, including fresh, cold, and frozen whole cuts, as well as pig offal. This action follows a formal complaint filed by the China Animal Husbandry Association on behalf of the domestic industry. Trade analysts widely view the investigation as a retaliatory measure following the European Commission’s moves to impose provisional tariffs on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles.

The trade friction expanded further on July 24, 2026, when the Chinese government opened an anti-subsidy investigation into certain dairy products imported from the EU. According to Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal, the Ministry of Commerce’s review will examine 20 specific subsidy schemes across the EU. The investigation particularly focuses on those under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), alongside national subsidies in member states such as Ireland, Austria, and Italy. The products under scrutiny include various cheeses, milk, and cream.

The targeted measures on pork, dairy, and brandy represent a significant escalation in bilateral trade tensions. European producers, particularly in countries heavily reliant on agricultural exports to China, face increased uncertainty. The pork probe’s focus on pig offal is notable, as these by-products have limited demand in Europe but represent a highly valuable export market in China. Similarly, the dairy probe’s focus on specific national subsidies in Ireland, Austria, and Italy indicates a granular approach to examining EU agricultural support systems. As these investigations proceed, businesses across the EU agricultural sector are preparing for potential disruptions to their supply chains and export revenues.