EU lawmakers visit China amid plans to curb imports
A 12-member delegation from the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee arrived in China on Tuesday for the committee’s first visit to the country since 2018, amid growing trade tensions over planned European Union measures to restrict imports of Chinese goods.
The lawmakers are visiting Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai during a three-day trip running through Thursday, according to Chinese state media. Their programme includes meetings with Chinese counterparts and government officials, as well as visits to technology companies Unitree and BrainCo.
The European Parliament said the trip marks the committee’s first visit to China since 2018 and the institution’s fourth delegation visit to the country in 2026.
EU considers new import restrictions
The visit comes as the EU reportedly considers safeguard measures to reduce imports of Chinese chemicals, furniture and machinery, potentially as early as the first quarter of 2027.
Chinese experts welcomed the delegation’s visit but criticised what they described as mixed signals from Brussels, arguing that pursuing dialogue while preparing new import restrictions could undermine trust in negotiations.
On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun urged the EU to uphold market principles and fair competition and avoid what he described as the abuse of trade-remedy measures.
Strengthening dialogue and consultation based on mutual respect, while deepening economic and trade cooperation, serves the common interests of China and the EU, Guo told reporters in Beijing.
New parcel charges add to trade friction
Trade relations are also facing changes to EU customs rules affecting low-value parcels.
Since July, such parcels entering the EU have been subject to a temporary customs duty of €3. From Nov. 1, an additional handling fee of €2 is due to apply.
About 93% of the parcels affected previously came from China, highlighting the potential impact of the measures on Chinese exporters.
The delegation’s visit provides an opportunity for discussions between the two sides as they navigate competing priorities over trade cooperation, market access and the treatment of Chinese imports.
Source:AA
