EU moves toward tariffs on Chinese imports

European leaders are pressing for trade‑defence measures to curb what they see as unfair Chinese export practices. French President Emmanuel Macron urged the EU to adopt safeguards similar to the United States’ Section 301, allowing investigations that could lead to tariffs. A coalition of five EU countries – France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Lithuania – has called on the European Commission to integrate “economic security” criteria into trade‑defence investigations, effectively targeting Chinese over‑capacity and state subsidies, though the wording does not name China explicitly. The proposal will be debated at an internal EU strategy meeting in Brussels and later at a summit of EU leaders in mid‑June. Germany remains more cautious, warning that harsh measures could jeopardise its access to essential raw materials and goods from China. The discussion reflects broader concerns about China’s growing dominance in strategic sectors such as raw materials and technology, and the EU’s desire to protect its single market and industrial jobs.