China imposed initial tariffs on dairy imports from the European Union after an anti-dumping investigation that began in August 2024.
The Ministry of Commerce announced today (December 22) that “investigating authorities have tentatively concluded that imported dairy products originating in the European Union were subsidized, causing serious damage to the relevant dairy industry in China, and that there is a causal relationship between the subsidy and serious damage.”
China said import tariffs will come into effect tomorrow following a proposal submitted to the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, which agreed to impose “temporary deposits of anti-subsidy duties.”
China She began her investigation In August last year to ascertain whether the European Union was guilty of exporting dairy products to the Asian country at prices that gave local producers an unfair advantage.
The investigation followed similar inquiries launched by China into pork and brandy shipped from the European trading bloc which began in June and January of 2024, respectively.
Last week, China advanced and Import duties on pork in the European Union For a period of five years, but at lower rates than the initial tariffs announced three months ago.
The Trade Ministry has imposed duties ranging from 4.9% to 19.8% on pork and pork by-products in the European Union. The anti-dumping investigation extended to June 2024, and was widely seen as reciprocal actions by China in response to the European Commission’s decision to impose tariffs on imported Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEV).
Regarding dairy imports into the European Union, China It expanded its anti-dumping investigations In August this year to February 2026.
The European Commission noted “concern” about China’s imposition of tariffs, assessing today’s anti-dumping decision as being based on “dubious allegations” and “insufficient evidence.”
She added that the measures are “unjustified” and “unjustified” ahead of China’s final decision on the tariffs scheduled for February 21.
China said today that the affected dairy products include fresh and processed cheese, milk and cream.
The Ministry said today that “all concerned parties can submit written comments to the investigating authority within ten days from the date of this announcement.”
Customs duties range between 21.9% and 42.7%. Reuters I mentioned. The news agency added that Denmark-based Arla Foods, owner of the Lurpak butter brand, will pay interest rates ranging from 28.6% to 29.7%, while Netherlands-based FrieslandCampina will pay 42.7%.
Just food I asked the Danish Dairy Board to comment on behalf of Arla.
FrieslandCampina said it “took note of the initial decision… and is committed to constructive interaction” with the Chinese ministry.
“China hits EU dairy imports with initial tariffs” was created and published. Just foodwhich is a trademark of GlobalData.
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