The European Union is preparing to introduce additional restrictions on imports from China, with the proposed measures expected to cover industries beyond hybrid vehicles as Brussels seeks to address growing trade imbalances.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the plan on Friday following an EU summit, saying the bloc’s existing agreement with Beijing to halve shipments of Chinese hybrid cars would not resolve deeper structural problems in trade relations.
The EU’s goods trade deficit with China has exceeded €1 billion ($1.12 billion) daily, raising concerns among European leaders about the impact of Chinese imports on local industries.
“And this is why we need to act,” von der Leyen said. “Our industries have called for action and we have heard them and we will respond, including some more safeguards.”
She added that EU leaders broadly supported the need for further action to protect European businesses.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the bloc should pay particular attention to imports in sectors such as chemicals, plastics and ferro-alloys.
Von der Leyen also welcomed a joint proposal presented by France and Germany last month, which called for stronger economic protections and a faster response to countries whose actions harm the EU’s interests.
As part of the plan, the European Commission intends to develop a new instrument that would allow the bloc to quickly restrict access to its single market when deemed necessary.
The Commission is also expected to propose a separate measure in December aimed at reducing European companies’ dependence on single suppliers for certain critical goods and materials.
In addition, von der Leyen said the EU executive would propose a “solidarity mechanism” to support member states or industries facing economic pressure, coercion or retaliation from countries outside the bloc.
The proposed measures signal a broader EU effort to protect its industries, reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities and respond to trade pressures as tensions with China continue.
