BEIJING — The Chinese government announced an investigation of three large European pork companies on allegations of dumping pork products into the Chinese market.

The investigation into Danish Crown, Vion Food Group, and Litera Meat appears to be a retaliation measure in response to the European Union’s recent decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicle exports.

Reports from the news service Xinhua implied that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce department would focus on pork ready for human consumption, like fresh, frozen and cold cuts along with pig intestines, bladders and stomachs.

China started its anti-dumping investigation on June 17, 2024. The Chinese government said the probe will focus on certain pork and pig by-products that originated from the EU from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023.

According to Xinhua, the probe is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Danish Crown did not respond to a request for comment immediately by MEAT+POULTRY.