The European Union hit out at China on Monday, saying it was “unjustified” for Beijing to impose duties of up to 42.7% on some dairy products from the 27-nation bloc.
China’s announcement on Monday was the latest in a trade spat with the EU covering a series of goods from food to electric vehicles.
The temporary “duty deposits,” which range from 21.9% to 42.7%, come into effect on Tuesday.
They hit an array of items, including fresh and processed cheese, curd, blue cheese, and some milk and cream, the commerce ministry in Beijing said in a statement.
Chinese officials launched an anti-subsidy probe in August 2024 after receiving a request from the Dairy Association of China.
The probe will conclude in February, and China could then modify the duties.
China’s commerce ministry said on Monday that preliminary findings showed a link between EU subsidies and “substantial damage” to its domestic dairy industry.
European officials contested such conclusions.
“Our assessment is that the investigation is based on questionable allegations and insufficient evidence, and that the measures are therefore unjustified and unwarranted,” said European Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill.
