Updated
Updated · Nikkei Asia · Jul 16
European Chemmakers Urge Brussels to Curb Chinese Imports as Plant Closures Accelerate
Updated
Updated · Nikkei Asia · Jul 16

European Chemmakers Urge Brussels to Curb Chinese Imports as Plant Closures Accelerate

1 articles · Updated · Nikkei Asia · Jul 16

Summary

  • European chemical manufacturers warned plant closures are speeding up across the sector and pressed Brussels to respond faster and more forcefully to rising Chinese imports.
  • Vynova has already cut production and sold its largest German site last month, saying the European market is being swamped by Chinese material.
  • An Ineos unit also questioned the climate impact of importing Chinese goods, widening the industry's case beyond pricing pressure to environmental concerns.
  • The appeal underscores mounting strain on Europe's chemicals base as producers argue import competition is eroding domestic capacity and forcing shutdowns.

Insights

Is Europe's chemical industry a victim of Chinese dumping, or is it committing 'industrial suicide' with its own high-cost policies?
Will protecting its chemical sector to achieve 'strategic autonomy' force the EU into a costly trade war with China?