China announced new tariffs on European Union dairy products ranging from 7.4% to 11.7%. These lower rates will apply for five years starting February 13. The cut replaces earlier higher tariffs of 21.9% to 42.7% set last December. China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed the changes following a long anti-dumping investigation. The probe was launched after the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The European Commission called China's dairy tariffs “unwarranted and unjustified.” It said it may take the matter to the World Trade Organization. Despite the EU criticism, China's tariff cuts mark the second recent easing of restrictions on EU products after the EV dispute. This suggests improving relations between China and the 27-member EU. On Wednesday, the EU approved tariff exemptions for Volkswagen imports from China. Chinese carmakers may soon seek similar deals. Francois-Xavier Huard, CEO of the French dairy group FNIL, said, “It’s a lesser evil that should let us keep a foothold in the Chinese market.” However, Alexander Anton, secretary general of the European Dairy Association, warned new duties still make competition tough compared to countries with free-trade deals with China.