China has cut tariffs on dairy products imported from the European Union in its final ruling after an 18‑month anti‑dumping probe, reducing the duties considerably from the previously proposed rates while continuing to safeguard domestic producers.
According to China’s Commerce Ministry, the tariffs on EU dairy imports will range from 7.4% to 11.7% for five years starting Friday.
These rates are far lower than the 21.9% to 42.7% duties outlined in a preliminary ruling issued last December. The investigation covered EU dairy shipments valued at more than $506 million, underscoring the scale of the trade dispute.
The decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing trade frictions between Beijing and Brussels after the European Union introduced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, prompting China to open investigations into European goods.
Despite the lower rates, analysts note that the measures still support domestic dairy producers by curbing foreign competition while stopping short of significantly intensifying trade tensions.
In 2024, China imported roughly $589 million worth of dairy products, including those in the probe, a figure broadly consistent with the previous year.
The investigation, launched in August 2024, focused on items such as unsweetened milk, cream, and various cheeses, including well‑known varieties exported from France, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Earlier this month, the EU confirmed it had received China’s final calculations for anti‑subsidy tariffs, with definitive rates expected later in February. The latest reduction marks the second time in two months that China has lowered duties on EU goods, signaling that both sides may be trying to ease tensions while continuing negotiations.
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