China's new levies on EU dairy imports set to hit Ireland's €359m export trade
Closeup shot of a glass of milk on a dairy farm with cattle grazing in the background
China has levied tariffs on some dairy imports from the European Union — a major exporter — following an anti-subsidy probe, adding to a tit-for-tat trade dispute with the bloc.
Last year, dairy exports from Ireland to China amounted to €359m, while in October Minister of State at the Dept of Agriculture Timmy Dooley led an agri-food trade mission to the country, to promote Irish exports.
In an preliminary decision, Beijing said it will levy up to 42.7% duties on some dairy products from the bloc after finding that the exports were subsidised, according to the commerce ministry.
The announcement made by China on Monday is provisional and could yet be revised or revoked before a final ruling. Last week, China significantly provisional tariffs on pork in its final decision.
China launched an investigation into shipments from the EU in August 2024, focusing on products including fresh and processed cheese. China also imposed anti-dumping levies ranging from 5% to 20% on pork imports from the bloc last week, softening preliminary measures taken in September.
The EU has challenged the dairy probe by requesting consultations via the World Trade Organization.
Bloomberg
