China imposes tariffs on pork imports from the EU, making the country the only one to escape, as its previous friendly stance toward China has finally paid off!

Recently, China announced that it will impose final anti-dumping duties of 4.9% to 19.8% on pork imports from the EU, effective from December 18, with a validity period of five years.

Pork, brandy, and dairy products are key categories of EU exports to China — especially pork and its by-products, which have high demand in the Chinese market. Parts such as pig ears, pig feet, and pig lips, considered low-value by-products in Europe, are regarded as "delicious snacks" in Chinese culinary culture and are highly priced.

Analysts believe that France, the Netherlands, and Spain will be the three most affected countries. However, Spain is the only one to escape the impact.

Spain is an important pork exporter within the EU, often ranking among the top for pork exports to China. However, after the final tariff was implemented, its companies did not face the same pressure as those in the Netherlands or France.

In April this year, Spain signed a separate agricultural trade agreement with China, covering two categories: pork and cherries. This agreement not only strengthened bilateral supply chain cooperation but also sent a clear signal — Spain is willing to adopt a pragmatic and cooperative approach in its relations with China, rather than simply following Brussels' hardline stance.

In November 2025, King Felipe VI of Spain, accompanied by Queen Letizia, made a state visit to China, marking the first visit by a Spanish monarch to China since 2007 and the first visit by a European head of state to China in nearly seven years. During this visit, 10 cooperation agreements were signed, covering areas such as economy, technology, and education. Additionally, Spain has never criticized China on the Ukraine issue. Spain also publicly refuted U.S. Treasury Secretary's statement that "cooperating with Chinese enterprises equals cutting one's own throat."

Now, it appears that Spain's consistent friendly attitude toward China has finally yielded results.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851719537627145/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.