China Lowers Proposed Tariffs on EU Dairy Products Amid Investigation

China's Tariff Adjustments on EU Dairy Products

PARIS, Jan 30 (Reuters) - China has reduced proposed tariffs on certain dairy products from the European Union as it concludes an anti-subsidy investigation widely seen as retaliation for EU levies on Chinese electric cars, two European industry associations said.

Details of Proposed Tariffs

In final tariffs communicated to the European side, China is proposing additional duties of up to 11.7%, compared with a maximum rate of 42.7% in provisional duties announced in December, the European Dairy Association (EDA) and Eucolait told Reuters. Many of the companies would be subject to a 9.5% rate, they said.

Background of the Investigation

The European Commission and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce could not be immediately reached outside working hours.

* The dairy probe covers products including cream andcheese, and follows scrutiny of b randy and pork * Reduced rates would make it difficult for EU products to compete inChina, Alexander Anton, the EDA's secretary general , said. "It's a success but you're still out of the game."  * China imported $589 million of EU dairy products coveredby the current investigation in 2024 * Higher tariffs on EU imports could favour other foreignsuppliers like New Zealand * It could also bring relief for local Chinese producers grappling with a glut of milk and falling pricesagainst a backdrop of sluggish demand

(Reporting by Gus Trompiz;Additional reporting by Philip BlenkinsopEditing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)