EU pushes for stronger trade tools as China deficit widens

Amid a deepening trade imbalance with China, Germany and France sent a joint letter to the European Commission urging a more robust application of existing trade tools. They noted that the EU is only employing tariffs, anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures at a fraction of their potential, estimating usage at roughly 10-30 percent of capacity. The partners highlighted a daily deficit that is expanding and warned that the resulting de-industrialisation of European industrial basins cannot continue.

The appeal references comments by the Commission President about the critical point the trade gap has reached. The letter asks the Commission to act decisively to rebalance trade relations with China.