Overview
- High Commissioner Clément Beaune proposed EU‑wide duties of 30% on Chinese products, describing the measure as a “massive commercial shield” to be put to EU discussion.
- Beaune cited a 30–40% Chinese cost advantage and said quality has reached parity in areas like electric vehicles, intensifying competitive pressure on European firms.
- He argued the move would protect jobs, pointing to an estimated 10,000 positions lost each month in Germany and asserting that curbing imports would keep employment in Europe.
- Acknowledging likely price increases, Beaune contended that widespread industrial layoffs would erode household purchasing power more severely than tariffs would.
- The push comes as the EU posted a €305.8 billion 2024 trade deficit with China and after the bloc’s minimum €3 parcel tax—plus France’s extra €2—measures Beaune deems insufficient; analysts also note the risk of Chinese retaliation, recalling surtaxes after the EU’s 2024 EV duties.