EU Considers New Trade Defenses Against Surge of Chinese Imports

European leaders are increasingly concerned about the surge of Chinese exports that they say threatens domestic industries, and their response could mirror some of the trade measures employed by President Donald Trump, Jason Ma reported for Fortune.

During the first four months of 2026, the trade gap widened by another 10 percent.

Frustration has intensified as China's goods trade surplus with the European Union reached €360.6 billion ($414 billion) in 2025, an increase of 15 percent from 2024.

During the first four months of 2026, the trade gap widened by another 10 percent.

French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated stronger trade defenses, calling for "the European equivalent of Section 301" during remarks last month.

Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 allows Washington to impose tariffs in response to unfair or discriminatory trade practices.

Following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down global tariffs imposed by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the administration has indicated it may increasingly rely on Section 301 authorities in future trade actions.

According to reports, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium support Macron's proposal to give the European Union additional powers to impose tariffs on China more quickly.

In a separate joint policy paper, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Lithuania urged the EU to explore measures that would reduce dependence on any single country, including the possibility of tariffs or import quotas.