JAKARTA – The European Commission is discussing a number of new measures to protect industry across the region amid a surge in imports from China.
According to a Reuters report, the measures will be discussed ahead of a meeting of European Union leaders on 18-19 June 2026. One option under consideration is encouraging European companies to diversify their supply chains.
The European Union is also considering the creation of new trade instruments aimed at limiting China’s access to the chemicals, metals and clean technology sectors.
In recent years, several Western countries have sought to reduce their manufacturing dependence on China, particularly after many industries relocated there in the early 2000s.
Trade imbalances and excess production capacity in China are also expected to be key topics at the upcoming G7 meeting.
A number of Western countries are becoming increasingly concerned about China’s dominance due to its reserves of rare earth elements and strategic minerals used in the defence, technology, energy and automotive industries.
European Commissioner for Industry Stephane Sejourne said the bloc wants to make more systematic use of existing trade instruments, including import tariffs and quotas.
The European Union has previously imposed tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China. However, the policy does not cover hybrid vehicles.
China, meanwhile, rejects allegations of unfair trade practices. Beijing has also warned that it will take retaliatory measures if the European Union adopts a “Buy European” policy or tightens regulations in the name of technological sovereignty. (KR/LM)
as a preferred source on Google