Under the provisional measures, tariff rates ranged from about 21.9 % up to 42.7 % on targeted products, including milk, cream, and fresh and processed cheeses — staples of EU dairy exports. Most exporters ended up facing levy rates around the 30 % mark, while higher penalties applied to companies deemed non-cooperative during the probe. These duties took effect in late December 2025 and illustrate how dairy trade has become entangled in broader economic tensions.

Chinese authorities justified the levies on the basis of “material injury” inflicted on local dairy producers, asserting that subsidised EU products have undermined competitiveness in China’s market. The investigation was carried out under Chinese law and World Trade Organization rules, following a complaint from domestic dairy associations. These anti-subsidy duties can act as both a trade remedy and a form of protection for local producers facing oversupply and shifting consumer demand.

However, in a later phase of the dispute, China revised its duty structure downward, finalising tariffs of up to 11.7 % for most EU dairy exporters, with many facing around 9.5 %. This was a notable reduction from the earlier provisional peaks, potentially lowering pressure on European firms including Arla, Lactalis and others subject to the measures. The final tariffs are set to apply for five years, affecting EU cheese, unsweetened milk, cream and related imports.