Countries Launch 300-Plus Trade Cases Against Chinese Exports as Europe’s EU Cases Jump to 50
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 6
Countries Launch 300-Plus Trade Cases Against Chinese Exports as Europe’s EU Cases Jump to 50
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 6
Summary
More than 300 antidumping investigations have been opened since 2020 by low- and middle-income countries against Chinese exports, while Europe and Mexico have added tariffs and duties to curb Beijing’s manufacturing dominance.
Europe’s response has accelerated sharply: European Commission antidumping cases against Chinese imports rose to 50 from seven in 2024, alongside measures on EVs, solar supply chains, glass fibers and steel cylinders.
China’s rise underpins the backlash. It now produces about a third of global manufacturing output, up from roughly 5% in 1995, and its share of world manufacturing exports has climbed to 20% from 3%.
Governments fear Beijing can weaponize that scale because it dominates strategic inputs such as rare earths, magnets, chips and pharmaceutical components, and has already curbed supplies to countries including Japan and the Netherlands.
The emerging trade war is likely to raise consumer prices and input costs even under a more coordinated Western strategy, as building alternative supply chains away from China will be slow and vulnerable to retaliation.
What is the hidden environmental cost of rebuilding global supply chains to challenge China's dominance?
Beyond tariffs and trade deals, what is the next strategic move in the global economic power struggle?
Can new alliances succeed when China's economic influence extends deep into potential partner nations?
"Record €360 Billion EU-China Trade Deficit in 2026: The Global Impact of China Shock 2.0 and Rising Protectionism"
Overview
In 2026, the global economy faces a sharp rise in trade protectionism, with countries rapidly increasing trade defense measures, especially against Chinese exports. This 'new China shock' is disrupting global goods markets, and the European Union is at the center of these changes. The EU has warned of a possible trade war with China as the risk of retaliation grows. The situation is shaped by complex national strategies, ongoing US tariffs, and China’s more active industrial policy and retaliatory actions. These factors together are driving a new era of global trade tensions and uncertainty.