Several European countries are increasingly wary of the surge in Chinese exports, and discussions within the EU about using stronger trade defense tools have intensified significantly. As the trade deficit with China continues to widen, countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands are pushing for faster and more targeted tariff measures.
The trade deficit with China continues to widen
Data shows that the EU's trade deficit with China will reach €360.6 billion in 2025, an increase of 15% compared to 2024. In the first four months of this year, this deficit further widened by 10%.
Against this backdrop, French President Macron proposed last month that the EU should establish a "European version of Section 301" tool to enable faster protective measures when unfair trade practices are identified.
Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 allows the U.S. to impose tariffs on trade practices it deems unfair or discriminatory. The report notes that this approach is also beginning to influence European policy discussions as the Trump administration seeks to reshape its trade enforcement tools.
Many countries support faster tax increase authority
According to reports, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium support Macron's proposed new direction of authority and hope that the EU can take tariff measures against Chinese goods more quickly.
Meanwhile, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Lithuania, in another joint document, called on the EU to study new measures to limit excessive dependence on a single country, which could include new tariffs or quota arrangements.
The EU had previously imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024 and initiated anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations against China. However, the investigations have been slow, and some existing safeguard measures need to be applied globally, making it difficult to target only a single country.
The EU will continue to focus on dialogue for the time being.
Despite rising internal voices advocating for a hardline stance, the EU has not yet shifted to more radical action. The report notes that the EU fears that a rapid escalation of measures could provoke retaliation from China, and therefore will prioritize resolving differences through dialogue in the short term.
Meanwhile, the EU is preparing to introduce a new law to encourage companies to diversify their key supply sources and reduce their dependence on a single country. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously stated that past policies have not prompted companies to adjust their supply chains quickly enough.
With the US maintaining high trade barriers, Chinese exports are rapidly flowing to other markets, increasing pressure on Europe. EU officials believe the old global trade order is weakening, and Europe's pace in addressing China's trade issues remains too slow.
A senior EU diplomat said that the relevant discussions have continued since the end of last year, but the EU is still discussing the same issue repeatedly, which shows that although a sense of urgency has been formed internally, it will still take time to promote the implementation of new tools.
