China imposed provisional tariffs ranging from 21,9% to 42,7% on imports of dairy products from the European UnionThe measure, in effect since Tuesday, is a response to alleged European subsidies that are supposedly causing substantial damage to local industry, although Brussels He considers it a baseless reprisal linked to tensions over electric vehicles.
Escalating tensions: the European Commission's response
The reaction from Brussels The reaction was swift in response to what they consider a move lacking in technical rigor. A spokesperson for the Trade Commission said European Commission He stated emphatically: "Our assessment indicates that the investigation is based on questionable allegations and insufficient evidence, and therefore the measures are unjustified and unfounded."
The European agency has confirmed that it is examining the preliminary determination by the Asian authorities and will provide relevant comments shortly. Along the same lines, the spokesperson Olof Gill It reinforced the bloc's position by calling the tariffs "unjustified and not based on sound foundations," highlighting the growing diplomatic and trade friction between the two powers.
Beijing's arguments and the scope of the measures
In turn, the Ministry of Commerce of China It maintains that its investigation, initiated in August 2024 at the request of local associations, strictly complies with its legislation and regulations. WTOacting with "fairness, impartiality, openness and transparency".
Chinese authorities justify the escrow deposits—the way these tariffs are applied—by citing the existence of specific subsidies in member countries such as Ireland, Austria, Belgium e ItalyAccording to Beijing, these subsidies would have distorted imports during the 2023-2024 period, damaging its domestic dairy sector.
Products affected by these new tariff barriers include:
- Fresh and processed cheeses.
- Blue cheeses.
- Milk and cream.
The key figures for this new trade barrier are detailed below:
| Concept | Key Data |
|---|---|
| Tariff Range | 21,9% - 42,7% |
| Entry into Force | Tuesday (following Monday's announcement) |
| Key Exporting Countries | France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain |
| Tariff on Spanish Companies | 28,6% (Lowest range) |
| Immediate Precedent | EU pork tariffs (4,9% – 19,8%) |
Impact on the Spanish dairy industry
The impact on Spanish businesses is direct, although it falls within the less aggressive range of the tax bracket. Leading companies such as CAPSA o Grouped Industrial Dairy Products They will face a tariff of 28,6%. Spain It is among the major exporters affected, along with France, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands.
La National Federation of Dairy Industries (FENIL) has expressed surprise at the decision and issued a warning about the "undesirable effects" that this policy could trigger in the European internal market, which could be subjected to greater supply pressure as the export channel to the Asian giant closes.
Trade war context
European analysts and authorities interpret this move not as an isolated event, but as a trade retaliation direct. These dairy tariffs follow previous tariffs of 4,9% to 19,8% imposed on European pork, forming a counterattack strategy against the tariffs that the UE applied to Chinese electric vehicles to protect its automotive industry.
Key points and frequently asked questions about Chinese tariffs on dairy products
Why has China imposed these tariffs?
China alleges that European dairy products (cheeses, milk and cream) receive state subsidies that cause "substantial damage" to its local industry, based on an investigation into imports from 2023 and 2024.
How does this measure affect Spanish companies?
Spanish exporters, such as CAPSAThey face a tariff of 28,6%. Although it is the lowest bracket, the employers' association PHENYL It warns of pressure in the European market due to the surplus of unexported product.
What is the European Union's position?
La European Commission He calls the measures "unjustified" and "unfounded," arguing that the evidence presented by China is insufficient and questionable, and links them to retaliation for tariffs on electric cars.
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