China is extending its probe into the EU’s dairy exports by six months, until mid-February 2026, Reuters reports, citing a Chinese Commerce Ministry statement. The anti-subsidy investigation, launched last August, is thought to be a retaliatory move against the EU’s decision last year to impose duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs).

The latest of many: China also extended its probe into pork imports from the EU by six months back in June, while it imposed duties of up to 34.9% on EU brandy producers in July.

Hitting them where it hurts: EU pork, dairy, and brandy exports to China amounted to some USD 10 bn in 2023, making China one of their top export markets.

ON THE FLIP SIDE- Chinese steel could get hit with Indian tariffs: India has recommended a three-year import tariff of 11-12% on certain steel products in a bid to curb shipments from top manufacturers in China, Reuters reports. India’s investigation into the matter found a “recent, sudden, sharp, and significant increase in imports,” which has the potential to cause serious harm to its domestic steel industry, according to the Directorate General of Trade Remedies.

Background: The move comes amid concerns that the US’ decision to impose 50% tariffs on steel imports could saturate markets elsewhere with steel that would have otherwise gone to the US.

Steel tariffs are on the rise: Japan launched an anti-dumping investigation into some steel-types being imported from China and South Korea last week after pressure from Japanese steel lobby groups, Reuters reported. South Korea is also mulling over placing tariffs on Chinese steel.

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