China will impose provisional duties of 21.9% to 42.7% on certain dairy products imported from the European ⁠Union starting on December 23, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Monday.

Preliminary evidence shows imported dairy products originating from the EU are subsidized, causing substantial damage to China's domestic industry, the ministry said.

The items include fresh and processed cheese, curd, blue cheese and some milk and cream.

Officials launched an anti-subsidy probe in August 2024 after receiving a request from the Dairy Association of China. Investigations showed a link between EU subsidies and "substantial damage" to its domestic dairy industry.