EU‑China trade tensions: steel, aluminium, tyres, EVs

Timeline

1. about 4 hours ago

   [BUSINESS] 6 sources

   China's rare earth export curbs threaten $6.5 trillion of Western industry

   IEA warns China’s rare‑earth export curbs could endanger $6.5 trillion of Western production, with the US and Europe hit hardest; graphite controls add $300 billion risk.

2. about 5 hours ago

   [BUSINESS] 2 sources

   EU imposes up to 45% anti‑dumping duties on Chinese tires

   The EU has approved anti‑dumping duties of 4.3%‑45.3% on Chinese‑made tires for cars and light trucks, likely adding €10‑20 per tyre (€40‑80 per set) and protecting its €18 bn market.

3. 2 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 3 sources

   EU to adopt unilateral trade measures against China amid €1bn‑a‑day deficit

   EU plans unilateral trade measures, including higher tariffs and anti‑dumping probes, to curb a €1 bn‑a‑day deficit with China before an October deadline.

4. 2 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 11 sources

   EU likely to miss 2030 critical raw material targets, study warns

   An ifo study warns the EU will likely miss its 2030 critical raw material targets, citing low domestic production and funding gaps, while a German pilot mining project seeks to showcase new extraction methods.

5. 3 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 5 sources

   EU tariffs leave Chinese electric cars 21% cheaper in Europe

   EU tariffs on Chinese electric cars have cut imports but left Chinese EVs about 21% cheaper than European models, with Chinese market share falling from 22% to 17% and manufacturers shifting production to EU.

6. 5 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 29 sources

   EU tariffs curb Chinese EV imports and spur production shift to Europe

   EU duties cut Chinese BEV share to 17 % in Q1 2026, push western makers to Europe, while Chinese firms expand EU production, boost PHEV sales and flood the market with cheap batteries.

7. 5 days ago

   [POLITICS] 2 sources

   European Union drafts solidarity fund to aid firms cutting China reliance

   The EU is crafting a financing‑heavy solidarity fund to help firms reduce reliance on China, part of a strategy to address a €360 bn trade deficit and possible Chinese retaliation, with an October deadline for‑

8. 5 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 8 sources

   EU imposes up to 45.3% anti‑dumping duties on Chinese tires

   The EU Commission has set anti‑dumping duties of up to 45.3% on Chinese passenger‑car and light‑truck tyres, likely raising consumer prices by about €9‑16 per tyre and shielding European manufacturers.

9. 7 days ago

   [POLITICS] 2 sources

   EU Commission drafts regulation to bar foreign firms from public contracts over security risks

   The European Commission will propose a September draft rule enabling authorities to bar foreign firms from public contracts over security or public‑interest risks, marking a shift toward a ‘Made in Europe’‑or‑​

10. 8 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources

    EU imposes up to 45.3% anti‑dumping duties on Chinese tires

    The EU has imposed anti‑dumping duties of 4.3%‑45.3% on Chinese passenger‑car and light‑truck tires, effective early July, to protect its 80,000‑job tire industry and curb a market share that rose to 28% in 202

11. 10 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 8 sources

    Poland faces €11.4 billion loss as Chinese industrial expansion widens trade deficit

    Poland’s trade deficit with China reached €11.4 billion in 2025, risking 45 000 jobs, while the EU loses €87 billion to a Chinese industrial surge; dealers plan “anti‑Chinese” stock as Europe seeks deregulation

12. 10 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU Introduces New Steel Industry Safeguard and Small‑Package Customs Fee

    The EU launched a steel‑industry protection regulation and a €3 fee for small parcels under €150, while the ERC awarded €27.3 million in research grants.

13. 10 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    European Union to impose 15% export duty on aluminium scrap to curb outflows

    The EU will propose a 15% export duty on aluminium scrap to limit outflows, targeting the 1.2 million tonnes currently shipped mainly to Asia and addressing supply‑security concerns raised by Greek producers.

14. 12 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    EU to overhaul public procurement rules to boost European industry

    EU Industry Commissioner Stephane Sejourne says new procurement rules, to roll out in September, will shift focus from price to innovation and EU content, protecting EU production from Chinese and US rivals and

15. 13 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources

    EU warns of Chinese industrial overcapacity and cheap exports

    EU officials and industry groups warn that Chinese overcapacity and cheap exports threaten European manufacturers, agreeing on new trade‑control workstreams and calling for stronger safeguard measures.

16. 13 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 20 sources

    Chinese Air‑Conditioner Makers See Surge in European Demand Amid Heatwave

    European heatwaves drove a surge in demand for Chinese portable ACs, with Midea, Haier and Gree seeing 20 %+ export growth and heightened quarterly earnings.

17. 14 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    China urges Germany to uphold fair trade after ministerial talks

    China’s trade minister pressed Germany to support free, fair trade and expand market access, discussed rare‑earth export controls, and agreed to restart joint economic talks.

18. 14 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 6 sources

    India Boosts Chip Mission as EU Faces Semiconductor Challenges

    India allocates Rs 1.25 lakh crore to its semiconductor mission, while a European report warns the EU chip sector is threatened by U.S. investment shifts, Chinese raw‑material control and internal cost issues.

19. 14 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    EU faces internal split over trade stance with China

    EU members remain divided over a tougher trade stance toward China as von der Leyen threatens action if China misses an October deadline, amid a €360 billion deficit.

20. 15 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources

    China urges deeper cooperation with Central‑Eastern Europe and broader EU trade ties

    China’s foreign ministry says it will deepen cooperation with Central‑Eastern Europe and urges the EU to view China‑EU trade rationally, citing strong European investment and the long‑standing China‑CEEC tie.

21. 16 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    EU introduces stricter steel import quotas starting July 2026

    The EU will enforce a new steel import quota system from July 1 2026, setting an 18.3 Mt annual limit, a 50% tariff on excess imports and a traceability rule to shield its steel sector from global overcapacity.

22. 16 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 23 sources

    EU halves duty‑free steel quota and raises tariffs to 50%

    EU cuts duty‑free steel imports by 47 % to 18.3 Mt, imposes a 50 % tariff on excess, splits quotas, and faces criticism from Brazil and Switzerland.

23. 17 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    EU and China hold high‑stakes trade talks in Brussels

    EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič and China’s Wang Wentao met in Brussels to tackle a €360 billion trade deficit, unfair subsidies and possible new tariffs, amid warnings of retaliation.

24. 20 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Volvo lets Geely‑owned Chinese brands use its European factories

    Volvo will boost output at its Swedish, Belgian and Slovak plants and invite Geely‑owned Chinese car brands to produce there, helping them sidestep high EU tariffs.

25. 21 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources

    UK steel tariff and quota reforms raise concerns for downstream users

    UK steel tariffs rise to 50% and duty‑free quotas fall by 51%, prompting industry groups like the British Chambers, East Midlands Chamber and Tata Steel to warn of higher costs and job risks for downstreamusers

26. 22 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Greek MEP Farandouris urges EU metal production for strategic autonomy

    Greek MEP Farandouris warned EU metal production is vital for defence and strategic autonomy, citing high energy costs driving factories abroad and urging policy to boost competitive metallurgy and quality jobs

27. 22 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Volvo Cars warns EU restrictions will raise costs and opens European plants to Geely’s EV brands

    Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson says EU limits on US tech could raise carmakers’ costs and that Volvo will let its European factories produce Geely’s Zeekr, Lynk & Co models to aid their EU launch before stric­

28. 23 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    EU's fragmented China policy limits strategic cooperation

    EU leaders called for dialogue with China while tightening trade‑defence tools, imposing duties on Chinese electric vehicles and other sectors, as Europe confronts a ‘China shock 2.0’ threatening strategic aut​

29. 23 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    EU Defense Industry Faces Critical Material Dependence on China

    EU defence rearmament is hampered by heavy reliance on Chinese critical minerals and a fragmented industrial base, prompting G7 pledges to cut dependence and calls for stronger European defence financing.

30. 23 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU prepares new tariffs on Chinese plug‑in hybrid vehicles

    The EU is set to impose extra duties on Chinese plug‑in hybrid cars, raising import tariffs to up to 30% to curb a price advantage and protect European auto makers.

31. 24 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    European Union to impose tariffs on Chinese plug‑in hybrid cars

    EU plans anti‑dumping duties of up to 30% on Chinese plug‑in hybrid cars as Chinese makers expand in Europe and European brands pull back from China.

32. 24 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to meet Chinese Trade Minister Wang Wen‑tao in Brussels

    EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will meet Chinese Trade Minister Wang Wen‑tao in Brussels on 29 June to tackle a €360 billion EU‑China trade deficit and develop tools against unfair practices.

33. 24 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Estonia emerges as key hub for EU rare earth supply amid China and Russia tensions

    EU Commission President highlighted a rare‑earth magnet made in Estonia, where Canadian firm Neo runs a refinery that imports most of its material from Russia, underscoring a strategic supply dilemma for the EU

34. 25 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    European firms confront systemic supply‑chain and climate risks

    German electronics firms and French analysts warn of supply‑chain and climate‑driven systemic risks, urging agile, sustainable corporate strategies under new EU regulations.

35. 25 days ago

    [POLITICS] 6 sources

    EU plans new measures to curb China trade deficit amid commercial‑war concerns

    EU seeks new tools to address a €98 bn trade deficit with China, aiming to protect industry while avoiding a trade war, amid internal debates on strategic autonomy.

36. 25 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    China Tightens Control Over Rare Earths, Sparking Silent Tech War with US

    China's new law gives the state full control over rare earths and indium, raising prices and prompting US and G7 efforts to diversify critical‑mineral supplies.

37. 25 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources

    China's rare earth export controls trigger trade tensions with EU and United States

    China’s new export controls on U.S. rare‑earth firms and EU calls for Section 301‑style tariffs heighten trade tensions over critical minerals.

38. 25 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources

    EU prepares additional tariffs on Chinese plug‑in hybrid cars

    The EU is considering new anti‑subsidy tariffs on Chinese plug‑in hybrid cars, mirroring duties on electric vehicles, as Chinese makers shift production to Europe to avoid tariffs.

39. 27 days ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources

    European Commission to draft law forcing EU firms to diversify supply chains from China

    The EU Commission will propose a law mandating firms to diversify away from Chinese suppliers, citing a €1 bn‑daily trade deficit and recent rare‑earth restrictions, with compliance audits and higher costs for

40. 27 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources

    EU Tariffs on Chinese Hybrids and Bontu’s Mini‑Electric Cars Arrive in Europe

    EU plans tariffs on Chinese plug‑in hybrids while Bontu launches teen‑drivable mini‑electric cars in Europe, highlighting growing Chinese auto presence.

41. 27 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU Warns Chinese Manufacturing Threat to European Industry

    EU officials say up to 55% of European manufacturing faces Chinese competition and call for stronger trade‑defence tools as Chinese carmakers set up factories across the bloc, prompting new investment rules.

42. 27 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 11 sources

    EU pushes stronger trade defenses to curb Chinese export surge

    EU leaders warn the €1 bn‑daily China trade deficit is unsustainable and debate tougher trade defences, including sector tariffs and a ‘European Section 301’, while urging dialogue.

43. 28 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 30 sources

    EU moves to impose tariffs on Chinese plug‑in hybrid cars

    EU plans new countervailing duties on Chinese plug‑in hybrids, targeting BYD, Chery and SAIC, to close a loophole after BEV tariffs.

44. 29 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources

    EU and G7 tighten rules on Chinese imports, from cheap goods to rare earths

    EU ends the €150 customs exemption on low‑value Chinese parcels in July 2026, adding a €3 per‑category duty, while G7 leaders agree to cap Chinese rare‑earth imports to below 60 % by 2030.

45. 29 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    European auto parts makers confront Chinese competition, turn to tool upcycling to cut hard‑metal costs

    European auto parts suppliers see Chinese rivals eroding their quality and innovation lead, while soaring hard‑metal costs prompt tool upcycling to cut expenses.

46. 30 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    G7 Critical Minerals Pricing Plan Sparks US‑EU Divergence

    The Trump administration’s critical‑minerals price‑support plan meets G7 skepticism, while the EU seeks flexible regulation amid concerns over Chinese price dumping.

47. 30 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 15 sources

    EU Moves Toward Tougher Measures on China Trade Deficit

    EU leaders in Brussels plan tougher trade tools against China as the bloc faces a €360 bn goods deficit and growing dependence on Chinese critical minerals.

48. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    China threatens French wine exports over EU over‑production dispute

    China warned it will retaliate if the EU restricts imports over alleged Chinese industrial over‑production, risking French wine exports valued at €767 million in 2025.

49. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    China's Rare Earth Ban Spurs Western Diversification

    China’s export curbs on seven rare‑earths have spiked prices, prompting the EU’s €3 bn ReSourceEU plan, a US $12 bn strategic reserve, and new processing investments in France to cut dependence.

50. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Morocco weighs Chinese free‑trade pact as EU warns of tariff evasion

    Morocco is reviewing a Chinese free‑trade offer amid EU concerns its growing EV‑related investments could be used to sidestep 45% tariffs on Chinese electric cars.

51. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU braces for trade conflict as Chinese goods flood European markets

    EU faces a wave of cheap Chinese goods, especially electric cars, prompting calls for tariffs and protective measures amid fears of a trade war.

52. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    China cancels two EU diplomatic meetings amid rising trade tensions

    China cancelled two planned EU talks in Beijing without explanation, heightening trade tensions as the EU eyes restrictions on Chinese firms and Beijing warns of retaliation.

53. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Belgian Prime Minister urges EU to devise trade strategy against China

    Belgian PM Bart De Wever pressed EU leaders to craft a strategy against China’s unfair trade, citing a growing €360 bn deficit and urging diversification ahead of the June EU summit.

54. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Italian logistics growth hampered by higher energy costs and Chinese car export surge

    Italian logistics grows modestly but faces rising energy costs, infrastructure strain and longer sea routes, while a surge in Chinese car exports pressures ro‑ro and container capacity, pushing freight rates up

55. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU seeks rare‑earth self‑sufficiency after China tightens export limits

    The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act aims for domestic mining, processing and recycling of rare earths after China’s 2025 export curbs exposed heavy reliance on China and Congo.

56. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU adopts new steel trade defence framework as market remains quiet

    EU Council approved a new steel trade defence regime taking effect 1 July, tightening quotas, duties and adding melt‑and‑pour rules, while the market stays quiet with high stocks and prices near €680/t.

57. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources

    EU moves to curb China supply dependence ahead of G7 summit

    EU leaders in Brussels plan legislation to diversify critical supplies, aiming to cut China dependence and boost EU manufacturing and tech sectors ahead of the G7 summit.

58. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU imposes 50% tariffs on steel imports, caps duty‑free quota

    EU sets 50% tariff on steel imports above an 18.3 Mt quota, introduces a “melt‑and‑pour” rule to curb Russian/Chinese steel and protect European producers, effective July 1.

59. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU adopts new steel tariffs and quota regime

    The EU Council adopted a regulation effective 1 July that revises steel tariffs and quotas, aiming to shield the bloc’s steel industry from global overcapacity and reduce dependence on Russian imports.

60. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    EU trade chief Manfred Weber warns of looming EU‑China trade war

    Manfred Weber warns the EU of a looming trade war with China, citing a €1 bn‑daily deficit, urging tougher tariffs and warning of possible Chinese retaliation on rare‑earth supplies.

61. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    Manfred Weber urges EU to impose tougher tariffs on China over €359 bn trade deficit

    CSU leader Manfred Weber urges the EU to tighten tariffs on China, citing a €359 bn trade deficit and calling for tougher measures on cars, 6G and aid‑linked purchases.

62. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    EU Parliament Leader Manfred Weber Calls for Tougher Trade Measures Against China

    Manfred Weber demands tougher EU tariffs, standards and a 6G ban on China to curb a €1 bn daily trade deficit.

63. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources

    EU moves to de‑risk trade with China amid rising deficit

    The EU is adopting a de‑risking trade strategy to limit reliance on China after a €359 bn deficit in 2025, considering restrictions amid concerns over subsidies and supply‑chain vulnerability.

64. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    EU moves to force companies to diversify away from China in strategic sectors

    EU officials plan a law requiring firms in key sectors to source from three suppliers, cutting reliance on China for chips, rare‑earths and other critical materials, despite possible cost increases and Chinese‑

65. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    EU Moves Toward Tougher Trade Measures Against China Over Growing Imports and EV Competition

    The EU is weighing tariffs, quotas and new industrial rules to curb a $418 bn trade deficit with China, driven by a flood of Chinese electric vehicles; Chinese EV makers also eye the US market despite high fees

66. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU advances Industrial Acceleration Act and intensifies China trade negotiations

    The EU unveiled the Industrial Acceleration Act to raise industry’s GDP share to 20% by 2035 and is ramping up trade negotiations with China to address a widening €360 bn deficit.

67. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources

    EU moves to curb Chinese industrial overcapacity, warns of trade retaliation

    The EU is preparing a new “overcapacity instrument” to restrict Chinese firms in EVs, batteries, solar and chemicals amid a growing trade surplus, while China threatens immediate counter‑measures and rare‑earth

68. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    EU Announces Plan to Cut Strategic Dependence on China

    The EU plans to reduce reliance on China for rare earths, solar panels and machinery, launching de‑risking measures and leveraging new industrial legislation.

69. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    EU Calls for Recalibration of Trade Ties with China Amid Threats of Retaliation

    EU leaders call for a unified, fairer trade relationship with China, warning of Chinese retaliation over subsidies and overproduction; internal divisions persist as new investment rules are drafted.

70. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 9 sources

    EU moves to curb China trade dominance with new industrial rules

    EU plans new “Made in EU” rules and supply‑chain rules to cut reliance on China, warning of a second China shock that threatens millions of jobs and a €360 bn trade deficit.

71. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 9 sources

    China warns EU of retaliation if new trade restrictions are imposed

    China threatens counter‑measures if the EU imposes new trade restrictions, amid a €360 billion deficit and concerns over Chinese overcapacity hurting European industry.

72. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 7 sources

    EU warns of mounting trade deficit and competition from China

    EU officials say China’s trade surplus threatens millions of jobs and could widen the bloc’s deficit to €500 bn by 2027, prompting stricter rules and new trade alliances.

73. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    EU lifts steel import tariff to 50%, China threatens countermeasures

    EU raises steel import duty to 50% and cuts the quota, aiming to shield its industry; China warns of reciprocal actions if the move is deemed discriminatory.

74. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 14 sources

    EU moves toward tariffs on Chinese imports

    EU leaders, led by France, are pushing for trade‑defence tools and possible tariffs to counter Chinese over‑capacity and subsidies, while Germany warns against damaging essential supply links.

75. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    EU pushes for tougher tariffs on China amid growing trade tensions

    Five EU nations propose higher tariffs on China to address a €360 bn trade deficit and protect jobs, sparking a EU‑wide debate on tougher trade measures.

76. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 18 sources

    EU’s heavy reliance on Chinese imports spans five critical sectors

    EU imports from China rose 89 % to €559 bn in 2025, creating a €360 bn deficit and exposing five key sectors—solar, raw materials, robotics, chemicals, textiles—to heavy reliance on Chinese supply.

77. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    China rejects EU accusations of industrial overcapacity

    China refutes EU claims of overcapacity, warns of counter‑measures if discriminatory actions are taken.

78. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Chinese imports and soaring aluminum prices squeeze EU manufacturers and global auto industry

    Chinese imports boost competition in the EU while soaring aluminium prices strain the global auto industry.

79. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources

    China blocks cooperation with EU probe into security scanner maker Nuctech

    China orders firms not to aid EU’s Nuctech investigation, citing extraterritorial abuse.

80. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources

    EU moves to tighten trade rules against cheap Chinese imports

    EU prepares new safeguards, quotas and anti‑overproduction rules to curb cheap Chinese imports.

81. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    China cuts pork output and sets anti‑dumping duties on EU imports

    China trims pig breeding capacity and finalises lower anti‑dumping duties on EU pork, reshaping supply and trade.

82. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    EU-China Trade Tensions Rise Over 'Made in Europe' Rules, MEPs Debate Options

    EU and China clash over new ‘Made in Europe’ rules as MEPs debate trade‑war risks.

83. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 8 sources

    EU tightens steel import rules as quotas shrink and tariffs rise, China in focus

    EU tightens steel imports with smaller quotas and higher tariffs, targeting cheap Asian steel, especially China.