CHINA – China has announced adjustments to its import-export tariffs for 2025, a move expected to impact global trade, particularly in the food and beverage sector.
According to a report by the State Council Customs Tariff Commission, these changes will affect 8,960 tax items, aimed at modernizing industries and promoting trade.
The commission stated that the revised tariffs are designed to enhance local tariff management and encourage innovation and production.
Reportedly, various dairy products will benefit from these adjustments.
Processed cheeses will enjoy a reduced provisional tariff rate of 8% in 2025, compared to the current Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) rates of 12% for powdered cheeses and 15% for blue and other mould-processed premium cheeses.
Whey products will see their tariff rate drop to 2% from the existing 6% MFN rate.
Additionally, retail packaged infant formula, excluding products for special medical purposes, will have a reduced rate of 5%, down from 15%. Milk-based foods intended for special medical purposes will enjoy a 0% tariff rate.
Provisional import tariffs in China are set at lower levels than MFN tariffs, offering advantages for selected imports.
The report also highlighted that preferential tariff rates would continue to apply to least-developed countries maintaining diplomatic ties with China.
Conversely, the tariff adjustments will negatively affect certain sugary products. According to the commission, syrups and sugar-containing premix powders will face increased MFN tariff rates, rising to 20% in 2025 from the current 12%.
This changes comes as China works toward supporting domestic industries, respond to supply and demand fluctuations, and meet its commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Although specific impacts were not detailed, the higher tariffs on sugary products are expected to raise production costs for items such as sugary beverages, likely leading to increased retail prices.
China’s role as one of the world’s largest consumer markets makes these tariff changes highly significant.
By lowering tariffs on certain dairy products while increasing them on sugary commodities, the country aims to drive industrial modernization and align its trade policies with evolving domestic and global market demands.
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