China Launches Anti-Subsidy Probe into EU Dairy Imports

China has initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into dairy products imported from the European Union, primarily targeting Ireland. This move is in response to the EU's restrictions on Chinese electric vehicle exports. The probe was initiated following a July 29 complaint from the domestic dairy industry and began on August 21.

China has started an anti-subsidy investigation into dairy products imported from the European Union, focusing mainly on Ireland in reaction to the bloc's restrictions on electric vehicle exports.

Announced by China's commerce ministry, the probe will scrutinize various cheeses, milks, and creams intended for human consumption. The investigation began on August 21, spurred by a July 29 complaint from the Dairy Association of China and the China Dairy Industry Association.

The inquiry will assess 20 subsidy programs across the 27-member bloc, with specific attention to schemes from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Ireland, and Romania. Ireland, notably, exported $461 million worth of dairy products to China last year. The EU recently revised its proposed punitive duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles but did not abandon them, as Beijing had requested.

(With inputs from agencies.)