- Country or region
- China
- Trade topics
- Dispute settlement
- Context
- WTO - Case launched by the EU
Summary of the case
- Complaint by: EU
- Complaint against: China
- Third parties:
On 23 September, the EU requested consultations with China on the initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation against imports of certain dairy products from the European Union.
This is the first time the EU has decided to challenge an investigation at its initiation stage. The EU’s action was prompted by an emerging pattern of China initiating trade defence measures, based on questionable allegations and insufficient evidence, within a short period of time. In so doing, the Commission is following through on its commitment to firmly defend the interests of the EU dairy industry and the Common Agricultural Policy against abusive proceedings.
The investigation targets liquid milk and cream with a fat content higher than 10% and various types of cheese from the EU. Exports to China of the products subject to the investigation amounted to around €513 million in 2023 and represent around 30% of total EU dairy exports to China (€1.7 billion in 2023). The exports under investigation represent around 8% of total EU exports to the world of the products concerned.
Relevant WTO provision: Articles 1.1(b), 1.2, 2, 11.1, 11.2, 11.2(i), 11.2(iv), 11.3, 11.4, 11.9, 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 15.2, 15.4 and 15.5 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement).
Status
- Consultations requested: 23 September 2024