Joint communique issued by M. Jean-Noël Barrot, minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and M. Nicolas Forissier, minister delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness (13 february 2026)

We note the conclusions published by the Chinese authorities yesterday, leading to the introduction of definitive tariffs on the European dairy industry ranging from 7.4% to 11.7%, when provisional, much higher levels – between 21.9% and 42.7% – had been envisaged in December 2025. These measures relate to a volume of trade estimated at nearly €430 million.

These tariffs continue to penalize our producers and the competitiveness of our exports in a strategic market. We welcome the exemplary commitment of the French and European dairy industry, which fully cooperated with the Chinese authorities throughout the proceedings to demonstrate the absence of undue subsidies. This cooperation allowed us to clearly establish that the accusations against our businesses were unfounded.

We continue to dispute the very principle of this investigation. From the outset, the French and European authorities argued that the proceedings were unjustified. They will continue to do so resolutely, including at WTO level. The ministers worked actively throughout the process, in close cooperation with their Chinese counterparts, to promote the French and European position and protect the interests of our industry. France, in close coordination with the European Commission and its European Union partners, will continue its efforts to secure the conditions for access to the Chinese market in line with international commitments.

Our producers must be able to export in a transparent, non-discriminatory framework that respects the rules of international trade. We shall continue to work actively to defend the interests of our dairy industry and of all our businesses.