China said Tuesday that it would extend a yearlong probe into pork imports from the European Union, as Beijing seeks to bolster ties with the 27-member bloc amid heightened trade tensions with the U.S.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry decided to extend its antidumping investigation into EU pork products by six months to Dec. 16, citing the complexity of the case, according to an official notice.
The probe was launched last June in response to the EU’s decision to slap antisubsidy levies on Chinese electric vehicles and was originally set to conclude later this month.
Most of the EU’s pork exports go to East Asia, in particular China, with Germany, Spain and France among the biggest producers, according to the European Commission.
Tuesday’s announcement is viewed as another goodwill gesture by Beijing, as Chinese leaders launch a global charm offensive to improve relations with major economic partners amid a trading fight with Washington .
Back in April, Beijing extended a similar probe into brandy imports from the EU by three months to July and expanded Spanish pork exporters’ access to the Chinese market through bilateral trade agreements.
Earlier this month, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao talked with EU trade officials over a range of issues including Chinese EVs and export controls during a trip to France.
In a statement after Wang’s trip, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said negotiations with the EU on setting minimum prices for Chinese-made EVs have entered its final stages.
Wang also said in his meetings with European counterparts that China will accelerate approvals of qualified rare-earth exports to Europe, adding that he hopes the EU can bolster exports of high-tech products to the country, according to the ministry.
In retaliation against President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs in April, China slapped new export controls on seven types of rare-earth minerals that are needed for a range of products including electronics, cars and advanced defense equipment.
Such restrictions from the world’s dominant rare-earth supplier have become a headache for global businesses, especially American and European automakers , many of which have warned of significant disruption in the global supply chain.
Tuesday’s extension also came as senior officials from China and the U.S. are meeting in London for their second round of talks with export controls taking the center stage.
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