Von der Leyen eyes curbs on Chinese chemicals, machinery next
Brussels is looking at ways to protect the two industries, after a deal with China to curb imports of hybrid vehicles.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to prioritize chemicals and industrial machinery in her efforts to shield European industry from Chinese competition, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. The proposal aims to implement safeguards as the most effective tool currently available to the EU.
While Brussels struck a deal with Beijing last week to cap annual imports of Chinese hybrid cars at 350,000 units next year, there are calls for further sectors to be protected from the surge of Chinese imports. China has overtaken Germany as the world's largest machine-tool exporter, with Chinese exports rising 13% to €8.6 billion, while German exports fell 10% to €7 billion.
The EU has also received complaints about Chinese imports from the wind and furniture industries. Commission officials have been considering safeguards for plastics and epoxy resins, but no formal investigation has been initiated. Beijing may be hesitant to impose new trade restrictions, according to a senior Commission official.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
