China will impose provisional anti-subsidy duties of 21.9% to 42.7% on select European Union dairy imports starting December 23, the Ministry of Commerce announced Monday. The move follows a year-long investigation revealing EU subsidies caused “substantial damage” to China’s domestic dairy sector.
Affected products include fresh and processed cheeses, curd, blue cheese, and specific milk and cream categories. The tariffs come as Beijing responds to a formal complaint filed by the Dairy Association of China in August 2024, which triggered the anti-subsidy probe.
Ministry officials stated preliminary evidence confirmed a direct link between EU government support for dairy producers and market distortions within China. The decision marks Beijing’s latest effort to balance trade relations while protecting local agricultural industries.
Market analysts suggest the tariffs could reshape Asia-Europe dairy trade flows, with potential opportunities emerging for alternative suppliers in New Zealand and Southeast Asia. The EU has yet to issue an official response to the measures.
