Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Visits China

MADRID (Reuters) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will visit China next month, his office announced on Friday, amid Beijing’s anti-dumping probe into EU pork imports.

Trip Details

Sanchez will travel to Beijing and Shanghai from Sept. 7-12 and will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. A deputy trade minister will accompany the premier during this visit.

Trade Dispute Background

China and the European Union are currently involved in a trade dispute following the EU’s announcement of provisional duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles. In response, China has initiated anti-dumping investigations into EU products, including brandy, dairy, and pork.

Impact on Spain

As Europe’s largest pork exporter, Spain provided 22% of China’s imported pork in 2023, valued at 1.2 billion euros ($1.29 billion). This situation puts Spain in a position to incur more losses than other EU member states.

EU and China Relations

China has been reaching out to the EU’s 27 member states to oppose the European Commission’s proposed additional duties of up to 36.3% on Chinese-made electric vehicles, which will be voted on in October.