The European Union (EU) has declared it must take tougher action to\nrebalance trade relations with China. The move follows intensive talks\namong bloc executives to protect critical industries from an influx of\nChinese competitors.<\/p>\n
After tensions with the United States eased following a 2025 trade\nagreement, the EU has shifted its full focus to China. Experts and\nEuropean governments are warning of a \u2018China Shock 2.0\u2019\u2014a surge of cheap\nChinese goods threatening global manufacturing amid widening trade\ndeficits.<\/p>\n
The EU\u2019s goods trade deficit with China reached a worrying \u20ac360\nbillion (approximately Rp6.2 trillion) last year. EU Industry Chief\nStephane Sejourne stated Chinese industrial dominance is not accidental,\nciting decades of state subsidies and unreciprocal market access. He\nadded that around 29 million European jobs are at high risk in the\ncoming months due to this imbalance.<\/p>\n
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen continues to push\na \u2018de-risk, not decouple\u2019 approach, aiming to balance concerns over\nexcessive reliance on China while preserving crucial economic ties.<\/p>\n
Metal, clean tech, and fertilizer industry groups are pushing for\nfaster and more effective trade defenses. The EU is considering measures\nsimilar to the US Section 301, which allows specific tariffs on sectors\nlike chemicals, metals, and green tech.<\/p>\n
Despite growing calls for tough action, the EU faces internal\nchallenges. Four major economies\u2014France, Italy, the Netherlands, and\nanother\u2014have circulated documents demanding harsher steps against unfair\ntrade practices. However, Germany, Europe\u2019s largest economy, opposes\naggressive moves against Beijing, fearing retaliatory measures that\ncould harm its automotive and machinery exports to China. Economic\nanalyst Sander Tordoir of the Centre for European Reform notes a shift\nin Berlin\u2019s stance towards a tougher position.<\/p>\n
Beyond tariffs, the EU plans to introduce new rules next week to\nbolster local chip manufacturing and diversify trade partners,\nparticularly for rare earth minerals, to reduce vulnerability to\nBeijing\u2019s export controls.<\/p>\n
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated\nBeijing is closely monitoring developments and will take necessary steps\nto safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/eu-prepares-robust-defense-against-china-trade-imbalances-1780077124", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }