EU Divided Over Tougher Measures Against Chinese Imports

Italy, France, the Netherlands and Lithuania have proposed reducing dependence on individual foreign suppliers, potentially through additional duties or import quotas, while Spain has withdrawn its support for the initiative, Shubhendu Vimal reported for Investment Monitor.

Chinese electric-vehicle imports initially declined following the tariffs. (Photo: BYD Europe Facebook)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Europe must pursue balanced relationships with both traditional allies and emerging economic partners.

"We need friends, we need balanced relationships. We need to be pragmatic, and we need to build bridges both with major economies — potential allies such as China — and traditional allies, such as the US," Sánchez said.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden also favored continued dialogue with China while stressing that trade relations should be fair and not operate as "a one-way street."

Of the European Union's 21 ongoing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, 18 involve Chinese producers.

Tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024 triggered retaliatory measures from Beijing targeting European dairy and brandy exports.

According to the European Commission, Chinese electric-vehicle imports initially declined following the tariffs. However, manufacturers adjusted by increasing shipments of hybrid vehicles, and electric-vehicle exports have since recovered.

A comprehensive review of the EU's trade-defense instruments is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.