Provisional duties of up to 67.4% on Chinese pea protein imports take effect immediately, targeting a market where Chinese producers hold nearly 60% share at prices the Commission says undercut EU producers by 22%
The European Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of high-protein pea protein originating in China on 27 April 2026, with the measure entering into force the day after publication in the Official Journal. The investigation was initiated in August 2025 following a complaint by an anonymous coalition of EU pea protein producers, and the provisional stage concludes the Commission’s initial investigation phase.
Pea protein, a plant-derived protein concentrate with more than 65% protein content on a dry weight basis, has become a core ingredient in the plant-based food sector, used in meat alternatives, protein supplements, and functional food formulations. China accounts for roughly 60% of global pea protein production, with the main production cluster concentrated in Shandong province, particularly around Yantai, which the Commission describes as the world’s largest pea protein production area.
The provisional duty rates are structured by company, with Yantai Shuangta Food Co. Ltd, the largest sampled Chinese exporter, facing a rate of 67.4%. The Sanjia Group (comprising Jiujiang Tiantai Food and Yantai Oriental Protein Tech) and nine other cooperating producers face a rate of 40.5%. All other Chinese imports, including non-cooperating producers, are subject to the residual rate of 67.4%, applied via TARIC additional code 88ZZ.
The Commission’s investigation found that Chinese pea protein had captured 59% of the EU market by 2024, up from 58% in 2020, while prices undercut EU producers by 22% and injury margins calculated by the complainant were around 80%. The Commission also conducted an extensive analysis of Chinese state interference in the sector, finding Party cell presence in major producers, preferential lending arrangements, a 70% VAT refund on starch-derived products benefiting some processors, and direct provincial government support for Shandong producers.
The regulation also blocks the registration of imports under the earlier registration measure and notes that data on products that entered the EU up to 90 days before publication will be kept pending the outcome of definitive measures. Interested parties have 15 calendar days to submit written comments and five days to request a hearing.
The pea protein case is part of a broader pattern of EU trade defence actions in agri-food inputs. The market’s connection to the plant-based protein sector, where several European producers are expanding capacity, gives the duties commercial significance that extends well beyond specialist importers. Definitive duties, if imposed, would typically apply for five years.
