China: Anti-subsidy investigation on imports of dairy products from EU
Date of publication: August 30, 2024
On August 21, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China released Announcement No. 34, effective from August 21, 2024, detailing the initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation on imports of certain dairy products from the European Union. This follows an application by the Dairy Association of China and the China Dairy Industry Association, alleging that the EU dairy industry benefits from 20 subsidy projects. The investigation will cover the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, for subsidies, and January 1, 2020, to March 31, 2024, for industry injury. Interested parties must register within 20 days to participate and provide the necessary information. The investigation is expected to conclude by August 21, 2025, with a possible six-month extension.
Key points
Application received
- Application for anti-subsidy investigation submitted by the Dairy Association of China and the China Dairy Industry Association on July 29, 2024.
- Request for investigation on imports of relevant dairy products from the EU.
Initial steps
- Consultation invitation issued to the EU government on August 7, 2024.
- Consultations held with the EU government on August 14, 2024.
Review and decision
- The Ministry of Commerce reviewed the applicant's qualifications, product information, domestic industry impact, and information on the countries under investigation.
- Evidence suggests compliance with Articles 11, 13, 14, and 15 of the Anti-Subsidy Regulations.
- Decision to initiate an anti-subsidy investigation from August 21, 2024.
Investigation details
- Investigation Period:
- Subsidy investigation: April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
- Industry injury investigation: January 1, 2020, to March 31, 2024.
- Scope of Investigation:
- Imported relevant dairy products from the EU.
- Specific products include various types of cheese and high-fat milk and cream. Mainly used for human consumption directly or after processing.
- These products are classified in the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China as follows: 04015000, 04061000, 04062000, 04063000, 04064000, 04069000.
- Subsidy Projects Investigated:
- 7 projects under the EU Common Agricultural Policy.
- 13 projects implemented by EU member states (e.g., Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Croatia, Finland, Romania, Czech Republic).
Participation and submission
- Interested parties and governments must register within 20 days from the announcement date.
- Required to submit basic identity information, export/import data, and other relevant information.
- Submissions should be made electronically and in written format.
Access to public information
Non-confidential application text available on the Ministry of Commerce website and in the Trade Remedy Public Information Reading Room.
Comments and investigation method
- Written opinions on various investigation aspects can be submitted within 20 days.
- Investigation methods include questionnaires, sampling, hearings, and on-site inspections.
- Questionnaires will be issued within 10 working days after the registration deadline.
Submission and confidentiality
- Information should be submitted electronically and in written format.
- Confidentiality requests must be justified, and non-confidential summaries provided.
Non-cooperation consequences
Failure to cooperate may lead to rulings based on available facts.
Investigation period
Investigation to be completed by August 21, 2025, with a possible six-month extension.
Contact information
Address: No. 2 East Chang'an Avenue, Beijing, ChinaTel: 0086-10-65198054, 65198760Fax: 0086-10-65198172Website: trb.mofcom.gov.cn