China announced it would impose tariffs on EU dairy products ranging from 21.9% to 42.7%. The measures would take effect on April 23, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
The rates will be set based on a percentage of a product’s value determined by the Customs Tariff Commission, the ministry said. Companies that cooperated with the investigation will face a duty of 28.6%, while those that did not cooperate will be subject to the maximum rate of 42.7%, a ministry official added.
Beijing said EU subsidies for dairy products have caused “significant harm” to China’s domestic milk industry.
Impact on Greece
The new duties will apply to products including fresh and processed cheese, as well as certain types of milk and cream.
By 2024, the country had become Greece’s third-largest trading partner, with Greek exports to the country showing steady growth over recent decades.
Key Greek exports to China include olive oil, fruit, fish and petroleum products. In 2023, Greek exports to the Chinese market totaled 384 million euros, with marble accounting for the largest share at 104 million euros.
Despite the upward trend, Greek exports represent just 0.01% of China’s total imports, which amount to 3.039 trillion euros.
Last week, Beijing significantly cut tariffs on EU pork imports, setting new rates between 4.9% and 19.8%.
Earlier, in September, China had imposed provisional anti-dumping duties of up to 62.4% on pork imports from EU member states.
