EU pushes for tougher tariffs on China amid growing trade tensions

A coalition of five EU countries—Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Lithuania—has submitted a joint proposal calling for higher tariffs on Chinese imports and measures modelled on the United States' "Section 301" approach. The plan, presented to the European Commission, aims to curb what officials describe as a €360 billion trade deficit with China in 2025 and protect European jobs, especially in sectors such as automotive manufacturing.

French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad urged the bloc to use "all tools" at its disposal, emphasizing the need for fairness and reciprocity in trade. He warned that Europe has long been a "last evangelist" of free‑trade rules that the United States and China have abandoned. While countries like Germany remain cautious about escalating tensions with Beijing, the proposal has sparked a broader debate within the EU about adopting higher duties, anti‑subsidy actions and other protective steps.

Analysts note that much of EU‑China trade involves intermediate goods that feed European value‑added production, and the EU continues to run a large services surplus with China. Nonetheless, the push for tougher measures reflects growing concerns over Chinese state subsidies, capacity in strategic sectors and control of critical raw materials. EU leaders are slated to discuss the issue at a summit in Brussels in June.