Vorbild Trump? Im Kampf gegen Chinas Subventionsflut wird in Brüssel der Ruf nach höheren Zöllen lauter
Zitronensäure steckt in Süsswaren und Shampoos. Staatlich subventionierte Hersteller aus China setzen Europas Firmen in diesem Geschäft unter Druck. Welche Folgen das für Europa hat, zeigt der Besuch in einer belgischen Industriestadt.
Chemical firms in Belgium face tough competition from Chinese manufacturers, who benefit from state subsidies, according to researcher Jonathan Holslag. The EU might consider a base tariff on Chinese goods and additional taxes for strategically important products, Holslag suggests, drawing parallels with US President Donald Trump's approach.
However, some businesses reliant on Chinese raw materials argue such tariffs could burden them. Holslag, a former professor of political science in Brussels, witnessed the debate while serving as mayor of Tienen, a Flemish city of 37,000 residents. The Belgian town's Citribel chemical company, which produces citric acid, has struggled against Chinese competitors offering much lower prices.
Holslag argues that China's high subsidies have distorted competition, making it harder for European firms to innovate. The EU is examining whether China's practices still justify current anti-dumping tariffs, which currently stand at 37 percent.
Written by urgent.news from NZZ Wirtschaft's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
