The European Union has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of Peking duck meat from China, escalating trade tensions between the two economic powers. The probe, initiated by the European Commission, follows complaints from five European producers who allege that Chinese exporters are selling duck meat at below-market prices, undermining domestic farmers and eroding their market share.
The accusations claim Chinese producers benefit from government subsidies, soft loans, and access to cheap soybean feed, allowing them to flood the EU market with more competitively priced duck meat. If the European Commission finds sufficient evidence of dumping, it could impose anti-dumping duties on imports of fresh, frozen, or smoked duck meat from China. This would mark the first time the EU has targeted an agricultural product from China under its trade defense regime.
The investigation comes amid wider concerns over the steadily growing EU trade deficit with China, which currently runs at approximately €1 billion per day. European officials have described this deficit as unsustainable and have indicated that without meaningful progress on rebalancing trade by October, the EU is prepared to take further action.
The duck meat sector is estimated to be worth around €800 million in the EU, with imports from China valued at roughly €199 million in 2025. European farmers report that cheap imports have significantly affected their sales and profitability. The Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU expressed support for the investigation and called for swift imposition of duties if unfair trade practices are confirmed.
Chinese officials have criticized the EU’s approach, with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reportedly voicing concerns over tariffs and export controls on technology products during ongoing dialogue between the two sides. Experts warn that targeting an iconic product like Peking duck, which is culturally significant in China and soon to be recognized by the EU as a protected geographical indication, could provoke retaliatory measures.
Former EU agricultural trade negotiator John Clarke noted the timing of the investigation as particularly sensitive, given plans to limit the use of the term “Peking Duck” to Chinese producers under new EU regulations. Analysts suggest that any punitive actions against the product could complicate the already strained relations between Brussels and Beijing.
Although the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU’s trade defense mechanisms, any resulting tariffs could still impact British consumers. Pekin duck, the breed predominantly used in Chinese restaurants and pre-packaged meals across Britain, is heavily reliant on imports from European markets. Increased costs or supply constraints in the EU could therefore influence prices and availability in the UK.
The European Commission’s investigation will review import data from the previous year before determining whether to impose anti-dumping duties, signaling a possible expansion of trade disputes from industrial goods into agricultural sectors. The move highlights the ongoing challenges in EU-China trade relations and the complexities of balancing economic interests with geopolitical considerations.