Overview
- Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels on Monday to discuss disputes over electric vehicles, semiconductors and rare earths.
- EU leaders ordered the Commission at their mid‑June summit to draw up possible countermeasures against unfair competition and state subsidies for definition by autumn.
- Beijing has repeatedly warned it would retaliate with measures such as tariffs or export limits if the EU adopts tougher restrictions.
- Member states remain split over the response, with Germany stressing managed dialogue to protect deep industrial ties and other governments pressing for firmer steps such as import duties or procurement bans.
- European industries face immediate pressure from low‑priced Chinese imports, especially automakers, and the dispute could threaten jobs, supply chains and access to critical raw materials like rare earths.