🛒🇨🇳 China imposes tariffs on EU dairy products

Oneliner

China will impose tariffs of 7.4% to 11.7% on EU dairy products starting 13 February 2026, following an 18-month investigation into EU subsidies. The new rates are significantly lower than the provisional tariffs of up to 42.7% imposed in December 2025. Major EU exporters affected include France, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands, with the total value of imports under investigation at approximately $589 million in 2024. This decision reflects ongoing trade tensions between China and the EU, particularly related to electric vehicles.

Key points

• China will impose tariffs of 7.4% to 11.7% on EU dairy imports starting 13 February.
• The new duties follow an 18-month investigation into EU subsidies affecting China's dairy industry.
• Provisional tariffs were significantly higher, ranging from 21.9% to 42.7%.
• Major EU exporters affected include France, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Links

• Reuters: China softens stance on EV makers negotiating with EU individually
• Le Figaro: Produits laitiers importés d’Europe: la Chine va baisser ses droits antisubventions
• RTBF: Chine : le pays va instaurer jusqu’à 11,7% de droits de douane sur les produits laitiers de l’Union Européenne - RTBF Actus
• Handelsblatt: Handel: China verhängt Zölle auf Milchprodukte aus der EU
• Die Welt: China verhängt endgültig Zölle auf EU-Milchprodukte - WELT
• BFMTV: Bonne nouvelle pour le fromage et le lait français: la Chine divise par trois ses droits de douane sur les produits laitiers de l'UE
• Handelsblatt: Autoindustrie: China erlaubt heimischen Autokonzernen individuelle Zolldeals

Facts

• Tariffs will range from 7.4% to 11.7%, effective 13 February 2026.
• Provisional tariffs were between 21.9% and 42.7%.
• The investigation covered dairy imports valued at $589 million in 2024.
• Key EU exporters affected include France, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Quotes

• The tariffs will apply for five years and are differentiated by company — Ministry of Commerce
• This is the second time in two months that China has reduced tariffs on products from the EU — Ministry of Commerce

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