The European Commission is considering safeguard measures on Chinese chemicals, furniture and machinery after its cap on hybrid-car imports, Bloomberg reported. China's Commerce Ministry warned earlier this month that Brussels should not expect to gain from pressure.
Taiwan's Liberty Times, citing Bloomberg, reported on the 28th that the EU is planning safeguard measures to cut Chinese imports in several sectors including chemicals, furniture and machinery. Sources said the tool could be import quotas or tariffs and might be proposed as early as the first quarter of 2027. The target sectors and plan could change after talks with member states and Chinese officials.
광고 문의 · 300×250The EU's case and plan
The EU's concern is the trade gap. The Liberty Times said the bloc's deficit with China was about 360 billion euros last year, over 1 billion dollars a day. Brussels argues that subsidised cheap goods are hurting European industry and jobs while access to China's market is restricted. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier this month that she had heard industry's calls and would respond, including with more safeguards.
Safeguards limit imports when volumes surge in a specific sector, and the EU can reportedly apply them without Beijing's consent. The report said the measures would comply with World Trade Organization rules and apply to all countries outside the European Economic Area. For hybrid cars, a cap of 350,000 vehicles a year has been agreed with China, aimed to take effect in December for four years, rising 6 percent annually after the first year.
Beijing's position and market reaction
In a statement this month, China's Commerce Ministry said the EU should not expect to gain from pressure and should not underestimate China's determination and ability to protect its interests. China also opened an anti-dumping probe this month into p-nitrotoluene, used in dyes, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. The report said it is unclear whether Beijing would accept export limits beyond hybrid cars.
European industrial shares rose broadly: Finland's Konecranes gained 2.7 percent, Sweden's Atlas Copco 2.6 percent and Metso 1.6 percent. EU leaders at a Brussels summit this month unanimously urged the Commission to act quickly, and it plans to propose by mid-December a supply-chain diversification tool and a faster mechanism against aggressive trade practices. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is expected to review progress with Chinese officials early next year.