China announced today (December 22) that it will impose import duties on dairy products from Europe. The duties are substantial, potentially reaching up to 42,7%.
This is a preliminary decision by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, following the anti-dumping investigation that the Asian country launched in August 2024 launched and can be seen as retaliation for the European import duties on Chinese electric cars. China simultaneously scrutinized European pork and dairy products.
Now, China is also imposing provisional tariffs on European dairy products such as soft cheese, milk, and cream intended for human consumption. The tariffs range from 21,9% to 42,7% and will take effect on Tuesday. China is exempting milk and whey powder, which are by far the largest European exports. In 2024, China imported nearly 30.000 tons of cheese from the European Union, according to trade data (Harmonized System). Export volumes in 2025 have so far been lower.
Pork
The pork investigation has progressed somewhat. Provisional tariffs were introduced in September and finalized last week. The tariffs for Dutch meat companies to vary for the next five years roughly between 9,8% and 19,8%.