Steel rolls Photo: Xinhua

The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) has taken note of the European Commission (EC)’s proposal to introduce new restrictions on steel imports. The decision to align with certain countries’ unilateral tariff approaches risks further fragmenting global steel trade and undermining the stability of international supply chains, the chamber announced on its WeChat account on Wednesday.

The chamber’s response came after the EC, the EU’s executive arm, proposed 50 percent tariffs — twice the current rate — on all steel imports above a quota that will be cut by roughly 45 percent, according to a report by Bloomberg on Tuesday.

The CCCEU said that while the measure is presented as a defensive safeguard, and it in fact represents a “protectionist step that could generate significant challenging spill-over effects across downstream industries” — particularly the automotive, machinery, and construction sectors.

“Although China’s steel exports to the EU account for only a modest share of its total global exports, this move nevertheless signals a worrying rise in trade protectionism within the EU market,” the Chinese trade chamber said, noting that such a trend “runs counter to the EU’s long-standing commitment to open, rules-based, and predictable trade.”

The CCCEU respectfully urges the EU to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment of the proposed measures, taking into account the positive role Chinese enterprises play in supporting Europe’s manufacturing competitiveness and green transition. The chamber also calls on the EU to uphold multilateral trade principles and to refrain from taking further steps that could escalate trade restrictions.

Above all, the CCCEU encourages the EU to safeguard a stable, transparent, and predictable business environment for all market participants — including Chinese enterprises operating in Europe, the chamber noted.


Global Times