China launches anti-subsidy probe into EU dairy products

BEIJING - China on Wednesday started an anti-subsidy investigation into certain dairy products imported from the European Union (EU), according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The investigation has been launched in response to an application submitted by the Dairy Association of China and the China Dairy Industry Association on behalf of the domestic industry in July, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said it requested a consultation with the EU government over the probe on Aug 7, which was held a week later.

The investigation will look into certain dairy products originating from the EU, including fresh cheese, curd and blue cheese, and the period to be probed is set between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.

It will also examine any damage done to related Chinese industries from Jan 1, 2020 to March 31, 2024, said the commerce ministry.

A total of 20 EU subsidies will be investigated, including those from the bloc's Common Agricultural Policy as well as subsidy programs initiated by EU members such as Ireland, Austria, Belgium and Italy.

The probe is expected to end before Aug 21, 2025, but may be extended for half a year under special circumstances.