China announced on Monday that it will impose provisional tariffs on “some dairy products” imported from the European Union, in the latest chapter of a trade dispute spanning from food to electric vehicles.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated in an announcement that the tariffs, ranging from 21.9% to 42.7%, will take effect on Tuesday. They will apply to a range of products including fresh and processed cheeses, blue cheese, and certain types of milk and cream, among others.
‘Serious injury’ to the domestic dairy industry
Chinese authorities opened an anti-subsidy investigation in August 2024 based on a request from the China Dairy Industry Association.
While the investigation is scheduled to conclude in February, the Ministry of Commerce stated that preliminary findings linked subsidies granted by the European Union to “serious injury” inflicted on the domestic dairy industry.
The tariffs on dairy products come one week after Beijing announced anti-dumping duties on pork imports from the European Union for a period of five years.
Those duties have been in effect since December 17, ranging from 4.9% to 19.8%, a decrease from the provisional duties of 15.6% to 62.4% that had been applied since September.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural traditions. In the modern era, it has developed into a major global economic and political power.
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries, founded after World War II to foster economic cooperation and prevent future conflict. It has evolved from the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 into a major supranational entity with a single market, a common currency used by 20 members, and shared policies on areas like trade and agriculture.
China Dairy Industry Association
The China Dairy Industry Association is a national industry organization established in 1995 to represent and support China’s dairy sector. It plays a key role in setting industry standards, promoting technological advancement, and facilitating cooperation among dairy producers in the country.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over three millennia as a significant political and cultural center. It served as the seat of imperial power during several dynasties, most notably the Ming and Qing, and is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it is a major global metropolis and the political heart of the People’s Republic of China.
