China has initiated an investigation into pork imports from the European Union in response to the EU levying anti-subsidy duties on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles.

On Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced the examination, which will scrutinize pork intended for human consumption, including fresh, chilled, and frozen cuts, as well as pig intestines, bladders, and stomachs.

"The Ministry of Commerce has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of related pork and pig by-products originating from the European Union," stated the ministry.

Pork is the most consumed meat in China and is a crucial element in the national diet.

Data from Beijing's customs reveal that EU countries exported over $3 billion worth of pork and pork by-products to China last year.

The investigation into EU pork imports follows the EU's decision last week to impose additional tariffs of up to 38.1 percent on Chinese electric car imports starting next month, following an anti-subsidy investigation.

The European Commission cited "unfair subsidization" in China, which it claimed posed a threat of economic harm to EU electric car manufacturers.

Proposed provisional tariff hikes include 17.4 percent for market leader BYD, 20 percent for Geely, and 38.1 percent for SAIC.

Last month, the state-backed Global Times newspaper reported that Chinese companies planned to request an anti-dumping probe into some European pork products, citing an unnamed "industry insider."

Chinese authorities have hinted at potential retaliatory measures in previous state media commentaries and industry interviews.

A European Commission spokesperson stated that the EU is not concerned about China’s investigation and will closely monitor the proceedings in collaboration with EU industry and member states.

"We will intervene appropriately to ensure that the investigation fully adheres to all relevant World Trade Organization rules," spokesperson Olof Gill said.

Spain’s Agriculture Minister Luis Planas expressed hope for "room for understanding" regarding the decision.

"I have repeatedly said: trade wars are harmful, especially in the agrifood sector, as they ultimately affect citizens' purchasing capacity and their ability to choose," Planas said.

Spain, the EU's largest exporter of pork products to China, sold 560,488 tonnes to the world's second-largest economy last year, valued at 1.2 billion euros ($1.29 billion), according to Interporc, an industry body.

The Netherlands and Denmark were the second and third largest exporters of pork to China last year, with exports worth $620 million and $550 million, respectively.