EU considers import restrictions on Chinese goods to curb trade deficit

EU-China trade deficit Maroš Šefčovič import quotas trade safeguards hybrid vehicle agreement

The European Union is considering new trade measures, including quotas and tariffs, to curb rising imports from China and address a massive trade deficit. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič indicated that the bloc may use safeguard measures to respond quickly to import surges in certain sectors, noting that investigations into the plastics industry are already advanced.

Potential new restrictions could target sectors such as chemicals, furniture, and machinery, with implementation possibly beginning in early 2027. These moves follow a recent agreement to limit Chinese hybrid vehicle exports to 350,000 units annually by 2027.

The EU's trade deficit with China has reached approximately €1 billion per day, with the deficit for the first half of the year totaling roughly €197 billion. If current trends continue, the annual deficit could surpass the 2022 record of €397 billion. European officials are seeking to balance the protection of domestic industries and jobs with the need to avoid triggering a full-scale trade war or significant retaliation from Beijing.

Entities

China · European Commission · European People's Party · European People's Party Group · European People’s Party · European Union · German Bundestag · Germany · MERICS · Maros Šefčovič · Ursula von der Leyen

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] The EU trade deficit with China reached nearly €197 billion in the first half of the year. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.vol.at · www.kurierverlag.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.dk-online.de · +3 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] China has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports from the European Union. dailydigest.ie
[● 7 SOURCES] China accepted a reduction in hybrid car exports to Europe. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.vol.at · www.kurierverlag.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.dk-online.de · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The European Commission will present proposals for new trade protection instruments in December. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.vol.at · www.kurierverlag.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.dk-online.de · +2 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The EPP Group advocates for shortening the duration of EU trade investigations.
[● 10 SOURCES] The EU trade deficit could exceed the 2022 record of €397 billion. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.vol.at · www.kurierverlag.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.dk-online.de · +5 more
[● 11 SOURCES] China's hybrid car deliveries to Europe are intended to fall to less than half of expected amounts within four years. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.vol.at · www.kurierverlag.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.dk-online.de · +6 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The German Bundestag's China Committee suggested a de-risking approach to reduce dependency on critical raw materials. merics.org · www.europeaninterest.eu
[○ 1 SOURCE] A European Parliament delegation will visit Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai from October 27 to 29. www.europeaninterest.eu
[● 4 SOURCES] China agreed to reduce hybrid vehicle exports to the EU to 350,000 units annually by 2027. www.europesays.com · businessnews.com.my · www.insider.gr · www.mononews.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] The EU is preparing a mechanism to restrict market access to countries accused of economic coercion. noticiabrasil.net.br · www.epochtimes.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Investigations into the plastics sector are currently advanced. businessnews.com.my · www.aktuelno.me