China has announced that it will levy temporary tariffs as high as 42.7% on selected dairy products from the European Union, signaling an escalation in ongoing trade disputes between the two economic powers.
The tariffs, which will come into effect on December 23, 2025, are the outcome of a preliminary anti-subsidy investigation initiated in August 2024 by China’s Ministry of Commerce. Beijing claims the inquiry found evidence of European subsidies on dairy exports that have harmed China’s domestic dairy sector, prompting the decision to raise import duties.
Under the provisional plan, the new charges will vary by company and product, with rates ranging from about 21.9% to 42.7%. Firms that cooperated with the investigation are generally facing lower tariffs, while non-participating exporters may face the highest levy. The affected goods include milk, cheese (including popular varieties such as blue cheeses), and dairy creams.
China’s move is widely seen as part of a broader tit-for-tat trade dynamic with the EU. Earlier, the bloc imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles over subsidy concerns. In response, Beijing has also targeted other EU products — including pork and brandy — with elevated duties.
The European Commission has voiced criticism of China’s action, describing the tariffs as “unjustified” and based on what it views as insufficient evidence. Brussels says it is reviewing the decision and has raised concerns about trade fairness and market access.
The escalating duties reflect growing pressure in EU–China trade relations, with both sides exchanging protective measures while negotiations continue on several outstanding trade issues.
