China has filed a World Trade Organization dispute against the EU over the bloc's tariffs on poultry products, which Beijing argues hamper the country's exporters.

The WTO said: "China notified the WTO Secretariat… of a request for consultations with the European Union regarding measures adopted by the EU to modify its tariff concessions on certain poultry meat products."

According to Chen Fuli, deputy director for China's department of treaty and law within the Ministry of Commerce, Chinese exporters "pay higher tariffs" to sell their products to Europe. According to the Chinese government, Chinese poultry exporters to Europe have to pay around 40% more in tariffs than some of their competitors.

"China has decided to sue the EU with the aim of defending the principle of free trade and the interest of our poultry businesses," Fuli said in a televised press conference in Beijing.

The EU has a quota for low-tariff poultry imports, with the majority of the quota – 96% going to Thailand and Brazil. China's share of the quota was lowered in 2013 following an outbreak of bird flu in the country.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.