Amid efforts by the European Union and China to improve their trade relations, the European Commission’s investigation into imports of Peking duck from China could mark a new chapter in trade tensions between the two sides.

On July 9, 2026, the European Union officially launched an anti-dumping investigation into Peking duck meat products from China after several local Peking duck producers alleged that Chinese products were being sold at exceptionally low prices, causing harm to the domestic industry.

The investigation began following a formal complaint submitted by five local duck producers to the European Commission on May 26, 2026. In their complaint, they alleged that Chinese producers benefited from various forms of government support, including subsidies, loans, and lower feed costs through China’s agricultural development policies. Such support was also considered capable of increasing the volume of Peking duck meat exports from China to the European Union. As a result, local producers have faced continued pressure on selling prices, sales volumes, and competitiveness.

If the investigation establishes that dumping—the practice of exporting products at prices below their normal value—has occurred, the European Union may impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese duck products as a measure to protect the domestic market.

Investigation Process

After examining the initial evidence submitted by the complainants, the European Commission decided to launch a formal investigation in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 on protection against dumped imports from countries outside the European Union. The investigation is expected to be completed within one year and no later than 14 months.

Since its official launch on July 9, 2026, the investigation has entered its initial stage, involving the collection and examination of information from the parties concerned. Data and statements are being obtained through questionnaires that must be completed by local duck producers, Chinese exporters, importers, buyers, and other relevant parties.

In its Notice of Initiation, the European Commission established two periods for analysis. The first is the investigation period, covering Peking duck prices from China during January 1–December 31, 2025. Its purpose is to determine whether exporters actually sold the products at dumping prices. The second is the period considered, covering the condition of the EU duck industry from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2025. This assessment examines various indicators, including import volumes, market share, selling prices, profitability, production, and other economic performance indicators to determine whether the industry suffered injury as a result of imports from China.

To date, the process has not produced any conclusions as to whether dumping occurred or whether the EU industry suffered injury. The investigation therefore remains at the stage of gathering and verifying evidence. It will subsequently proceed to verification visits, scheduled from September 23 to November 6, 2026, to examine the accuracy of the data and information submitted by the parties. According to the European Commission’s tentative schedule, an initial announcement, or pre-disclosure, is expected in February 2027. If the preliminary findings provide sufficient grounds for action and the case proceeds to provisional measures, temporary anti-dumping duties will be imposed no later than March 9, 2027, with an objection period running until March 23, 2027.

The investigation will then proceed to the final stage, involving the imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties. Following the final disclosure on March 26, 2027, parties that have cooperated in the investigation will have until April 26, 2027, to submit their comments, before the European Commission issues its decision on definitive anti-dumping duties on September 8, 2027. The decision could result in the imposition of anti-dumping duties or no duties at all if dumping is not proven.

The scope of the investigation is relatively broad. It covers not only imports of duck carcasses but also various Peking duck meat products originating from China, including fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, smoked, and boneless meat, as well as various processed products made from duck meat. With such broad coverage, the outcome of the investigation is expected to affect not only the trade of fresh duck meat but also the food-processing industry that uses the products as raw materials.

This article is an excerpt from the International section of the September 2026 edition of Poultry Indonesia magazine. Read the full article in Poultry Indonesia Magazine – September 2026 Edition. For subscriptions or further information, contact: https://wa.me/+6287780120754 or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com.

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