Core Viewpoint - China is imposing provisional tariffs of up to 42.7% on dairy products imported from the European Union, effective immediately, as a response to EU subsidies that are perceived to harm China's dairy industry [1][3]. Group 1: Tariff Details - The new tariffs on EU dairy imports will range from 21.9% to 42.7%, affecting various products such as fresh and processed cheese, blue cheese, milk, and cream with a fat content exceeding 10% by weight [3]. - The decision to impose these tariffs follows a preliminary investigation that began in August 2024, which found that EU subsidies for dairy products had negatively impacted China's domestic dairy sector [3]. Group 2: Context of the Investigation - The investigation into EU dairy products is part of a broader context of trade tensions, where China has also launched probes into EU pork and brandy imports in retaliation for the EU's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles [2][5]. - The EU's trade relationship with China is characterized by a significant trade deficit for the EU, amounting to over 300 billion euros ($352 billion) last year, highlighting ongoing economic frictions [4]. Group 3: Broader Trade Relations - The tariffs on dairy products are part of a tit-for-tat strategy, as the EU previously imposed tariffs as high as 45.3% on Chinese-made electric vehicles, prompting China to respond with its own tariffs on EU imports [2]. - China's recent tariff announcements also include up to 19.8% on EU pork imports and up to 34.9% on brandy, indicating a pattern of escalating trade measures between the two regions [5].