China has announced the imposition of 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 percent, will take effect on Tuesday and will apply to a range of products, 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, which was initiated after receiving 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 on the heels of China’s decision to impose anti-dumping levies on EU pork imports for a period of five years, which took effect on December 17. Those duties range from 4.9 to 19.8 percent, down from temporary levies that had been in place since September.
The trade spat between China and the EU spans multiple industries, including food and electric vehicles. The imposition of duties on EU dairy products is likely to have significant implications for both parties, with potential consequences for trade relations and the global economy.
China’s commerce ministry stated that the duties are intended to protect the country’s domestic dairy industry, which has been affected by EU subsidies. The ministry’s statement emphasized the need to ensure fair trade practices and to safeguard the interests of Chinese dairy producers.
The EU has yet to respond to China’s latest move, but the trade dispute is likely to continue to escalate in the coming weeks and months. As the probe into EU subsidies concludes, China may impose further measures to protect its domestic industry. The ongoing trade tensions between China and the EU will be closely watched by international trade observers, who will be monitoring the situation for any signs of resolution or further escalation.
