Europe has few alternatives to counter China other than costly protectionism
Pascal Lamy, who in 2001 negotiated China’s accession to the WTO, now argues that the country is “killing open global trade.”
Former EU trade commissioner Pascal Lamy reflects on China's growing trade surplus with Europe and the need for more stringent measures. Lamy, now with the Jacques Delors Institute, suggests implementing a quota system for Chinese exports, similar to recent EU restrictions on hybrid car imports. He acknowledges both tactical concessions and strategic shifts from China but insists the EU must do more than the current car deal.
Lamy criticizes China's dominance in key sectors and proposes a WTO-compatible quota system with predictable, rules-based tariffs. He warns that Europe risks economic turmoil if it doesn't act, comparing the situation to the US using Section 301 tariffs. Lamy emphasizes the importance of convincing China to compromise before the situation escalates further.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
