China has imposed temporary import duties on certain dairy products in the latest phase of its trade dispute with the European Union.
Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday that this was a preliminary decision in an investigation that has been ongoing since August 2024. The tariffs will be implemented on December 23.
China accuses the EU of heavily subsidizing its dairy industry.
According to the report, imported products from Europe have clearly harmed the interests of Chinese manufacturers.
The statement said that the tentative tariff rates currently imposed range from 21.9% to 42.7%.
Trade tensions between China and the European Union have been growing for years.
In 2023, Brussels launched an investigation into Chinese-made electric vehicles, accusing Beijing of helping the industry through excessive state subsidies.
Beijing subsequently responded with investigations and tariffs on imports from the EU, including spirits, pork and dairy products.
The Ministry of Commerce noted that Beijing has not launched any new investigations into the EU since 2025, but has only ended three existing anti-dumping lawsuits.
The report stated that the EU filed multiple lawsuits against China during the same period.
The Commerce Department said China’s investigation into dairy products will continue until a final decision is made.