BEIJING ― Chinese companies plan to request that authorities open an anti-dumping investigation into imports of some pork products from the European Union, the state-backed Global Times newspaper reported on Saturday, citing an unidentified "business insider."

The report, carried in a post on X and in the newspaper's online edition, gave no other details.

China imported a total of 1.55 million metric tons of pork in 2023 with the EU accounting for more than half of the total, customs data showed.

The report comes as trade tensions between the EU and China intensify, with the EU conducting investigations into various imports from China to protect homegrown manufacturers.

In January, China opened an investigation into brandy imported from the EU.

Earlier this month, the EU launched an investigation into flat-rolled products of iron or steel plated or coated with tin from China. The European Commission is also investigating China-made electric vehicles, which is expected to lead to additional duties.

Last week, a Chinese auto industry body expert called on China to consider raising tariffs on imported cars with engines larger than 2.5 liters, the Global Times reported.