In Brussels on Thursday, a coalition of 44 European industry associations representing metals, chemicals, automotive parts and other sectors called on the European Union to move swiftly against what they describe as unfair trade practices by China. The groups warned that continued distortions could threaten EU manufacturing jobs and widen an already sizable trade deficit.
Urgent request for stronger trade defence tools
The associations urged the EU to make fuller use of existing trade‑defence instruments and to develop new measures that address state‑driven market distortions across entire value chains. They emphasized the need to protect European producers while avoiding negative impacts on close partners such as Britain, Norway and Switzerland.
Staffing and procedural improvements
According to the coalition, the European Commission needs additional staff to process trade‑related complaints more rapidly. Faster handling, they argue, would help prevent further job losses and give European companies a more level playing field.
Upcoming EU summit and trade talks with China
The timing of the appeal is notable because EU leaders will convene in Brussels next week to discuss how to tackle a growing trade deficit with China that now exceeds €1 billion ($1.12 billion) each day. At the summit, officials are expected to review Franco‑German proposals for expanded trade‑defence measures that were published earlier this week.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Šefčovič is also concluding a two‑day visit to Beijing, where he will seek Chinese agreement to curb exports to the EU in at least one sector, most likely hybrid vehicles. Šefčovič’s mission reflects a broader EU strategy to address perceived imbalances while maintaining constructive dialogue with Beijing.
Industry perspective on the broader impact
Representatives of the industry groups stressed that unchecked Chinese subsidies and market access restrictions could erode the competitiveness of European manufacturers. They pointed to recent data showing a steady rise in the daily trade gap, which they say underscores the urgency of coordinated action.
While the associations called for decisive measures, they also cautioned against actions that could harm longstanding European partners. The appeal reflects a balancing act: protecting domestic industry without jeopardising the broader network of trade relationships that underpin the continent’s prosperity.
What comes next?
EU policymakers will need to decide whether to expand existing anti‑dumping and anti‑subsidy rules, introduce new investigative tools, or negotiate sector‑specific agreements with China. The outcome of the upcoming summit and Šefčovič’s talks in Beijing will shape the EU’s next steps in addressing what the industry groups view as a pressing economic challenge.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
