The European Union is preparing to deploy emergency trade measures to counter a dramatic surge in Chinese exports, its top trade enforcer said Tuesday.
New data shows the bloc's trade deficit with China widened by nearly a quarter in the first half of the year, prompting Brussels to consider immediate safeguards.
The EU's trade commissioner indicated that the bloc is ready to introduce "case-by-case" tariffs and quotas to protect European industries from what officials describe as an extraordinary export surge.
The measures would target specific sectors where Chinese imports are displacing domestic production, rather than applying blanket restrictions across the board.
This escalation comes as the EU and China prepare for high-level trade negotiations in Brussels next week.
The talks aim to address a rapidly deteriorating relationship between the two economic powerhouses, with both sides signaling increased pressure through proposed tariffs.