Brussels: The European Union said on Friday that the tariffs imposed by China on certain European dairy products are "unjustified," after Beijing announced duties of up to 11.7 percent for a period of five years. EU trade spokesman Olof Gill told reporters at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels that "these measures are unwarranted and unjustified," adding: "We do acknowledge that these duties in the final determination are substantially lower than those proposed at the provisional stage.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the European Union is voicing strong opposition to the tariffs, which they believe could have significant repercussions on the dairy industry within the EU. The imposition of these duties marks a notable development in the ongoing trade relations between China and the European Union, which have experienced various tensions in recent years.
The EU's response underscores the importance it places on its agricultural exports and the potential impact these tariffs could have on European dairy producers. The duties, set to last for five years, are part of China's broader strategy to protect its domestic industries, yet the EU argues that such measures are not aligned with fair trade practices.
The announcement comes at a time when global trade dynamics are increasingly under scrutiny, and the EU is likely to seek further clarification and possible negotiation to address this issue. The European Commission is expected to engage in discussions with Chinese counterparts to explore possible resolutions and mitigate any adverse effects on European exporters.