China Imposes Provisional Duties on EU Dairy Imports Amid Ongoing Trade Dispute
Effective December 23, 2025, China has imposed provisional anti-subsidy duties on European Union dairy imports, with tariffs ranging from 21.9% to 42.7%, most around 30%. These duties come after the first phase of China's anti-subsidy investigation into EU dairy products.
The tariffs apply to milk and cheese, including protected-origin brands such as France's Roquefort and Italy's Gorgonzola. About 60 companies are affected, with Arla Foods among them. Most firms face tariffs between 28.6% and 29.7%, while Sterilgarda Alimenti SpA has a rate of 21.9%, and FrieslandCampina Belgium NV/Nederland BV is subject to 42.7%.
The European Commission has described these measures as unjustified and unwarranted, announcing plans to submit formal comments. China’s determination is provisional and could be altered in a final ruling.
This action is widely regarded as retaliation for European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The dispute began in 2023 when the EU launched an anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs. China has previously imposed tariffs on EU brandy and pork, though in some cases, tariffs were reduced or certain producers exempted.
Trade discussions on the bloc's EV tariffs resumed recently without new announcements, and a senior European diplomat noted that major issues remain between the two sides.
China imported approximately $589 million worth of dairy products covered by the investigation in 2024, a level similar to that of 2023, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Meanwhile, Chinese dairy producers are facing a milk glut and falling prices, with the government encouraging producers to limit output earlier this year.
