China warns EU over proposed 'Made in Europe' industrial rules
Updated
Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Apr 27
China warns EU over proposed 'Made in Europe' industrial rules
13 articles · Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Apr 27
China's commerce ministry said it submitted formal comments to the European Commission, expressing serious concerns about the EU's Industrial Accelerator Act targeting sectors like cars, green tech, and steel.
Beijing warns it will take countermeasures if the EU adopts rules requiring local content thresholds for companies seeking public funds, calling the measures systemic discrimination against Chinese firms.
The EU proposal aims to protect its industries from heavily subsidised Chinese competition and job losses, but Chinese officials and business groups argue it marks a shift toward protectionism that could harm EU-China trade relations.
Will the EU's 'Made in Europe' plan trigger a devastating trade war with China?
Can Europe's green industries truly compete without these new protectionist rules?
Could internal EU disagreements cause this ambitious industrial plan to fail?
Will this trade dispute ultimately delay Europe's climate and energy goals?
What specific countermeasures could China deploy against Europe's strategic sectors?
EU’s 2026 Industrial Accelerator Act: Securing Green Tech Supply Chains While Facing Chinese Retaliation
Overview
In April 2026, the EU proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act to strengthen its industrial base, aiming to increase manufacturing's GDP share to 20% by 2035 and support its green transition goals. The Act enforces strict 'Made in Europe' rules and foreign investment screenings, targeting sectors like batteries, electric vehicles, and solar panels, where the EU heavily depends on China. This proposal triggered strong opposition from China, which condemned it as protectionist and threatened retaliation, raising the risk of a trade conflict that could disrupt supply chains and slow the EU's climate ambitions. Meanwhile, internal EU divisions and global concerns add complexity to the Act's adoption and impact.