The EU is turning to the WTO over China’s anti-subsidy investigation into dairy products

Beijing last month targeted EU dairy products, including subsidies for milk and cream with more than 10% fat and certain cheeses.

According to the European Commission, these support systems fully comply with international rules and do not harm the Chinese dairy industry. The EU took action against China due to the increasingly frequent abuse of trade protection measures, and EU producers are protected from unauthorized inspections, said Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Commissioner responsible for trade policy.

The WTO consultation is the first step in the process; if it does not lead to a solution, the EU may take further steps in the disputed matter.