China cuts pork output and sets anti‑dumping duties on EU imports

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced a 14.2% cut in the national breeding sow population, reducing it to 37.5 million head. The move targets oversupply, is expected to lower pork output by 8‑10% by 2027 and could push pork‑related CPI inflation above 3%, while also affecting feed‑grain imports and livestock‑feed companies.

Separately, the Ministry of Commerce issued its final anti‑dumping ruling on EU pork, confirming duties for five years at rates lower than the provisional tariffs (e.g., 4.9‑19.8% versus up to 32.7%). The decision refunds excess provisional deposits and gives EU exporters clearer pricing, though the duties keep China a high‑risk market for pork and related agri‑food products. EU officials welcomed the reduced rates but warned of continued structural vulnerabilities for niche products such as fifth‑quarter pork.