On 9 October 2026, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/XXXX establishing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of pea protein originating in the People’s Republic of China. The investigation, initiated in early 2025, concluded that Chinese exporters were selling pea protein in the EU at prices significantly below normal value, causing material injury to the Union industry. The definitive duties range from 40.5% to 67.1%, differentiated by cooperating company, with a residual duty of 67.1% for all other Chinese producers. These measures will apply for a period of five years from the date of entry into force, which is the day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The decision follows a surge in Chinese pea protein exports to the EU, which grew by 77% between 2022 and 2024, capturing a rapidly expanding market share. The Commission found that this import pressure depressed EU producer prices and prevented the industry from benefiting from rising demand for plant-based proteins. The regulation is grounded in the EU’s basic anti-dumping regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/1036) and complies with WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement requirements.
For Latvia, the ruling is strategically significant. The Jelgava pea processing facility, operated by a leading agri-food group, is highlighted as the first concrete step toward establishing Latvia as a major EU hub for green protein production. The anti-dumping shield provides a critical window for domestic investors to scale up capacity, secure offtake agreements, and develop higher-value protein isolates without the immediate threat of artificially low-priced Chinese competition. Industry analysts estimate that the duties could increase the landed cost of Chinese pea protein by 50-70%, making locally produced alternatives commercially viable for the first time in several years.
Key Takeaways
- Definitive Duty Rates Established: The Commission set company-specific duties ranging from 40.5% to 67.1%, replacing provisional measures imposed earlier in 2026. All non-cooperating Chinese exporters face the maximum rate of 67.1%, ensuring comprehensive coverage and preventing circumvention.
- Five-Year Application Period with Review Clause: The duties will remain in force for five years unless a mid-term or expiry review demonstrates that they are no longer necessary to offset dumping and injury. This provides long-term regulatory certainty for EU producers planning capital-intensive expansions in protein fractionation and texturization.
- Strategic Boost for Latvian Green Protein Ambitions: With the Jelgava facility as a flagship, Latvia aims to capture a significant share of the EU’s growing plant-protein market, projected to reach €2.5 billion by 2030. The tariff protection enables domestic producers to achieve economies of scale, invest in R&D for novel protein applications, and reduce the EU’s reliance on imported soy and pea protein from third countries.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement