Finance
China Cuts Proposed Tariffs in EU Dairy Probe, Industry Groups Say
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 30, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 30, 2026
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China reduces tariffs on EU dairy products from 42.7% to 11.7% amid an anti-subsidy investigation, seen as a response to EU car levies.
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)
Key Takeaways
- •China reduces proposed tariffs on EU dairy products.
- •Tariffs lowered from 42.7% to 11.7%.
- •Move seen as retaliation for EU car levies.
- •European Dairy Association provides details.
- •Investigation linked to EU-China trade tensions.
Frequently Asked Questions about China cuts proposed tariffs in EU dairy probe, industry groups say
1What are dairy products?
Dairy products are food items made from milk, including cheese, butter, yogurt, and cream. They are important sources of nutrients like calcium and protein.
2What is retaliation in trade?
Retaliation in trade refers to actions taken by a country in response to trade barriers or tariffs imposed by another country. It often involves imposing similar tariffs or restrictions.
