EU launches WTO challenge against China anti-subsidy dairy probe

The European Union on Sept 23 launched a World Trade Organisation (WTO) challenge against a Chinese anti-subsidy investigation into imports of European dairy products, in the latest move in a trade spat between Beijing and Brussels.

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"Today, the (European) Commission launched a consultation request at the World Trade Organisation, challenging China's initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation against imports of certain dairy products from the EU," the EU's executive arm said.

"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."

China announced its probe in August after the EU unveiled a plan to hit Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) with hefty tariffs. The Chinese investigation covers a range of items from fresh cheese and curd to blue cheese, including some milk and cream.