Overview
- The Ministry of Commerce set provisional duties ranging from 21.9% to 42.7% starting December 23 on selected EU dairy products including fresh and processed cheeses, blue cheeses, and certain milks and creams.
- Rates are assigned by company, with Italy’s Sterilgarda Alimenti at 21.9% and FrieslandCampina entities at 42.7%, and non-cooperating firms facing the highest rate.
- The anti-subsidy probe began in August 2024 following a request from the China Dairy Association and remains open, with a final determination expected in February 2026.
- The European Commission voiced concern, with spokesperson Olof Gill saying the Chinese case rests on questionable assertions and insufficient evidence.
- Italian farm and food groups warned that the tariffs threaten a fast-growing market, citing €71 million in cheese exports to China in 2024, up 207% since 2020.