China is turning up the heat on European dairy imports! The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced Wednesday it will investigate 20 EU subsidy programs supporting cheese and dairy exports to China, sparking fresh trade tensions.
The probe—requested by China’s dairy industry—targets products like fresh cheese, curd, and blue cheese , examining whether EU subsidies hurt local producers. The investigation period spans April 2023 to March 2024, with damage assessments dating back to 2020.
Why now? China’s dairy associations argue EU subsidies under programs like the Common Agricultural Policy give European brands an unfair edge. The move comes weeks after closed-door talks with EU officials.
Key EU members under scrutiny include Italy , Ireland , and Finland . The probe could last until August 2025, with a possible 6-month extension—meaning this dairy drama might just be getting started.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced Wednesday it will investigate 20 EU subsidy programs supporting cheese and dairy exports to China, sparking fresh trade tensions. 
China’s dairy associations argue EU subsidies under programs like the Common Agricultural Policy give European brands an unfair edge. The move comes weeks after closed-door talks with EU officials. 
, Ireland 
, and Finland 
. The probe could last until August 2025, with a possible 6-month extension—meaning this dairy drama might just be getting started. 
Trade Tensions Simmer
