China has announced the start of an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of dairy products from the European Union. This decision became a new stage in trade disputes between the two regions, reports Bloomberg.

The investigation, launched by China's Ministry of Commerce, will focus on several categories of dairy products, including cheese. The investigation will examine 20 EU subsidy programs, including some of those implemented under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, as well as special programs for the dairy sector in Italy and Finland.

The investigation is expected to last about a year, but under certain circumstances it can be extended by another six months. This investigation is part of the wider context of trade disputes between China and the EU.

It is worth noting that China is a significant importer of dairy products from European countries such as the Netherlands and France. However, New Zealand remains the main supplier of dairy products to China. In recent years, the volume of purchases from this country has decreased due to the increase in domestic milk production in China and the economic downturn.

China's move is in response to electric car tariffs that the European Union imposed on Chinese electric cars. The decision underscores the growing trade tensions between China and the EU and could have a significant impact on bilateral trade in the agricultural sector.

It is expected that the results of the investigation may lead to the introduction of new trade restrictions or tariffs on dairy products from the EU, which in turn may affect the price situation in the market and trade relations between Europe and China.