China has announced temporary duties on certain dairy products imported from the European Union, marking the latest development in an ongoing trade dispute. The duties, ranging from 21.9 % to 42.7 %, will take effect on Tuesday and will apply to a variety of items, including fresh and processed cheese, curd, blue cheese, and some milk and cream.
The decision follows an anti‑subsidy probe launched by Chinese officials in August 2024 after a request from the Dairy Association of China. According to the Chinese commerce ministry, preliminary findings suggest a link between EU subsidies and significant damage to China’s domestic dairy industry. The probe is expected to conclude in February.
This move comes shortly after China imposed anti‑dumping levies on EU pork imports for a five‑year period, which took effect on 17 December. Those duties range from 4.9 % to 19.8 %, down from temporary levies that had been in place since September. The trade spat between China and the EU spans multiple sectors, including food and electric vehicles.
China’s commerce ministry stated that the new dairy duties are intended to protect the domestic dairy industry, which has been affected by EU subsidies. The ministry emphasized the need to ensure fair trade practices and safeguard the interests of Chinese dairy producers.
The EU has not yet responded to China’s latest action, but the dispute is likely to continue escalating in the coming weeks and months. As the probe into EU subsidies concludes, China may impose further measures to protect its domestic industry. International trade observers will be closely watching the situation for any signs of resolution or further escalation.
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