China is keeping the European dairy sector under scrutiny longer than previously announced. The investigation, launched a year ago, appears to be a response, along with investigations into the meat sector and other sectors, to European measures against the alleged dumping of electric cars from China.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has now announced that it needs until at least February 21, 2026, to complete its investigation into European subsidies for the dairy sector. This measure follows an announcement in June that China would also be scrutinizing the pork sector, as well as the French cognac industry.
The trade dispute between the EU and China is still not accompanied by the kind of big words and threats that US President Trump uses in trade disputes. The dispute between Brussels and Beijing largely consists of a round of bureaucratic arm wrestling, but ultimately it must be resolved at the political level.
Chinese dairy research focuses primarily on cheese, milk, and cream products. Infant formula and whey products appear to be unaffected for now.