European Union leaders are preparing to consider tougher trade measures against China as rising imports of cars and manufactured goods put pressure on European industry. The issue is expected to dominate a two-day summit in Brussels beginning Thursday.
The EU’s goods trade deficit with China reached 360 billion euros in 2025 and stood at 200 billion euros in the first half of 2026, according to figures cited ahead of the meeting. Germany and France have called for measures to address the imbalance, marking a shift in Berlin’s earlier opposition to tougher restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles.
Leaders will assess whether a preliminary understanding on hybrid-car imports is enough to continue negotiations or whether additional safeguards are needed. Chemicals, plastics and supply-chain dependence are also part of the debate. The European Commission could present an initial measure in December.
The discussions come as European governments face pressure to protect industrial jobs while maintaining trade relations with one of the bloc’s largest economic partners.
