BEIJING, El Sky News – In the latest escalation of a deepening trade standoff between two of the world’s largest economies, China has announced the imposition of provisional anti-subsidy duties on specific dairy products imported from the European Union (EU).
Starting Tuesday, December 23, 2025, European dairy exporters will face additional tariffs ranging from 21.9% to 42.7%. This move follows a preliminary investigation by Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce, which concluded that EU dairy subsidies have harmed China’s domestic industry.
Targeted Products and Economic Impact
The new measures specifically target high-value dairy items, including various types of milk and cheeses. Notable products caught in the crosshairs include France’s iconic Roquefort blue cheese. While the maximum rate reaches 42.7%, most affected European firms are expected to face an average duty of approximately 30%.
Trade data indicates that the stakes are high; in 2024, China imported roughly $589 million worth of dairy products currently under investigation, a figure consistent with previous years’ volumes.
A “Tit-for-Tat” Strategy
Analysts view this move as a direct retaliatory strike against the European Commission’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). Since 2023, the trade relationship has soured as Brussels investigated what it calls “unfair state support” for China’s green technology sector.
Beijing has responded with a series of surgical strikes on European exports, previously targeting:
- Brandy: Impacting luxury goods sectors in France.
- Pork: Affecting major producers like Spain and the Netherlands.
- Dairy: The latest lever in the ongoing negotiation.
Current Status of Negotiations
While the duties are currently “provisional” and subject to revision during the final phase of the investigation, they signal Beijing’s hardening stance. Although technical discussions regarding EV tariffs resumed earlier this month, the lack of a breakthrough has led to this latest enforcement.
The European Commission has yet to issue a formal rebuttal to Monday’s announcement, but the move is expected to increase pressure on EU member states to find a diplomatic middle ground before these temporary measures become permanent.
