As Chinese goods continue to flood into the European market, the European Union is stepping up its monitoring efforts on the surge in imports. Denis Redonnet, Chief Trade Enforcement Officer of the EU, stated on Thursday (October 1) that the latest monitoring data shows that nearly a quarter of imported goods in the EU exhibit “potentially concerning trends,” with Chinese products being the main driving factor.
According to data from the EU’s “Import Barometer,” during the one-year period ending in June 2026, a total of 902 product categories met the monitoring criteria of “increasing import volume and decreasing prices.” This data is primarily used to identify import trends that could potentially harm European manufacturers. The largest category is machinery with 141 items, followed by textiles with 116 items, basic metals with 110 items, and chemicals with 107 items.
Redonnet mentioned that the EU may “proactively” launch safeguard investigations in response to this.
Earlier this year, several sources confirmed that the European Commission is considering introducing a tool that would allow the EU to increase tariffs on imported goods from China or other major trading partners when they reach specific levels in key industries.
The Chinese authorities have threatened retaliation against any such measures, especially tools resembling the U.S. “Section 301” tariff mechanism.
The EU’s concerns about the increase in imports of Chinese goods are closely related to the longstanding trade imbalance between the two sides.
According to Reuters, in 2025, China’s total exports to the EU were approximately 571 billion euros, while the EU’s overall imports amounted to 2.53 trillion euros. The trade deficit for the EU with China reached around 360 billion euros last year. While China’s exports to the EU have increased, the EU’s exports to China have seen a decline.
EU Commission President Von der Leyen previously stated in September that the EU cannot continue to tolerate such a significant trade deficit with China and that the EU will utilize “all available tools” to seek to restore trade balance. She emphasized that trade negotiations with China must yield substantial results.
The chemical industry is of particular concern among the industries that the EU is monitoring.
Reports in September indicated that major EU countries such as France, Italy, and possibly including Germany, are considering implementing import quotas and tariff restrictions on certain chemical and plastic products using less commonly used “safeguard measures.”
The named products at that time included Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), epoxy resins, and fiberglass. These materials are widely used in industries such as packaging, automotive, energy, shipbuilding, and infrastructure.
The European chemical industry has been facing pressures in recent years, including high energy costs, weak demand, and competition from low-cost Asian products. Some European companies have already reduced production capacity or implemented layoffs, prompting certain EU countries that were previously more cautious about trade protection measures to consider more stringent actions.
Internally in the EU, attitudes towards China are not entirely unanimous.
France has consistently advocated for the EU to take more proactive trade defense measures. French President Macron recently stated that Europe must better and faster protect its industries and indicated that relevant measures will gradually be implemented starting in October.
Macron also criticized China’s widespread dumping practices in certain industries, suggesting that this could undermine the foundation of European industries.
Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez, on the other hand, stated that the policy differences between France and Spain towards China are not as significant as perceived by the public. He stressed that China’s substantial trade surplus is “unacceptable,” but the EU should seek cooperation where possible, engage in competition when necessary, and address differences in a constructive manner.
The EU summit in October will further discuss policies towards China, and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic will also travel to Beijing to meet with Chinese officials.
(This article references relevant reports from the South China Morning Post)