Chinese firms have formally requested the government to initiate anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into European Union pork and dairy imports, respectively, in a move seen as a retaliatory measure against new EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

The anti-dumping probe into pork imports from the EU, which could target offal products valued at over $3 billion last year, may escalate trade tensions. The dairy investigation, which could focus on products such as whey powder, cream, and fresh milk, remains unclear in terms of specific products targeted.

This move follows China’s request for an anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy imports, primarily targeting French brandy, and an anti-dumping probe into POM copolymers, a type of engineering plastic, imported from the EU, the United States, Japan, and Taiwan.

Additionally, China has been considering increasing its import tariffs on large gasoline-powered cars to 25%, which would primarily affect German carmakers that export SUVs and sedans to China. The current import tariff for cars is 15%.

These actions are part of a broader trade strategy aimed at addressing perceived unfair trade practices and protecting domestic industries. The investigations and potential tariff hikes could have significant implications for EU and Chinese businesses involved in these sectors.