China has announced a significant reduction in anti-dumping tariffs on pork imports and pig by-products from the European Union, ending a year-long investigation into European pork exports. The new duties, ranging from 4.9% to 19.8%, will take effect on Wednesday and remain in place for the next five years, according to the Chinese commerce ministry.

This move comes after China had imposed temporary anti-dumping tariffs of up to 62.4% earlier in September, in the form of cash deposits on EU pork imports. The initial high tariffs had been part of a broader trade standoff, sparked when Brussels implemented punitive tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese electric vehicles last October. China responded by launching its anti-dumping probe in June last year, aiming to counter these measures.

The EU remains the world’s largest pork exporter, sending roughly 13% of its annual output abroad, with China as the single largest buyer. The easing of tariffs is expected to boost European pork shipments to the world’s second-largest economy and could help stabilize pricing for European producers who faced heavy pressure from earlier duties.

Trade tensions between China and the EU are part of a wider pattern of global trade frictions. European leaders have increasingly highlighted Beijing’s growing trade surpluses with major partners. China’s trade surplus reached a record $1 trillion by November this year, as exporters redirected shipments in response to tariff disputes with the United States.

The tariff adjustment also intersects with other trade concerns. Beijing had previously restricted rare earth exports, affecting European manufacturers attempting to diversify supply chains. Agreements with the U.S. in late October have partially eased these pressures, with China reportedly issuing licenses for such critical minerals.

Relations have also been tested in the semiconductor sector. Last week, China urged the Netherlands to engage in further negotiations after Dutch authorities took control of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned semiconductor firm.

The reduction in pork tariffs signals a cautious thaw in EU-China trade relations, providing relief to European exporters while reflecting Beijing’s broader strategy to manage trade tensions with its largest partners.