The European Commission is considering restrictions on imports of Chinese products, under pressure from the contraction of European industrial production and the trade deficit with China. The Federation of Greek Chemical Industries (HACI) warns, however, that the measures may increase costs for businesses using Chinese raw materials, affecting the competitiveness and prices of their products.
According to information transmitted by APE-MPE, the Commission is considering interventions in sectors such as chemicals, mechanical equipment and furniture, following the recent agreement with Beijing on quotas on imports of Chinese hybrid cars. SEV clarifies that no decision has yet been made to restrict Chinese imports.
The EU's trade deficit with China reached €360 billion last year, intensifying pressure to protect European production.
Brussels is seeking an understanding with Beijing through the institutionalized dialogue between the two sides, in order to avoid Chinese countermeasures and an escalation of the trade confrontation. This was also the direction given to the Commission by the European leaders at the recent Summit.
Which businesses are at risk of higher costs
Trade defence instruments, such as anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures, aim to protect European businesses from unfair trade practices. However, their effects vary depending on the position of each business in the production chain.
In the chemical industry, the greatest pressures are faced by producers of primary materials, such as polymers and basic chemicals. In contrast, businesses that use these materials to produce finished products, such as cosmetics, have strengthened or recorded smaller losses.
For the second category, import restrictions entail a risk of increasing the cost of raw materials, which can be passed on to production costs and final prices.
Greek businesses belong to this category, according to the general director of HACI, Panos Skarlatos. As he mentioned, the Greek chemical industry has developed significantly in recent years, following the opposite course to the European one.
In particular, production in Greece increased by 15% since 2021, while in the EU a decrease of approximately the same magnitude was recorded.
Energy and low demand are putting pressure on European production
According to the publication, pressure from Chinese imports has led in recent years to the closure of factories corresponding to about 10% of the European chemical sector. At the same time, the utilization of production capacity remains low, at about 74%.
The main drivers of the decline include high energy costs and weak demand. In September 2026, gas prices in Europe were six times higher than those in the US.
Mr. Skarlatos emphasizes that the planned interventions must be carefully evaluated in terms of their consequences for businesses that use primary chemicals.
It also calls for greater transparency in the Commission's investigations, so that small and medium-sized enterprises in particular can more easily monitor the procedures, as well as regular consultations with affected producers.
Faster processes without additional burdens
The HACI position is that the EU needs a balanced and effective application of trade defence instruments: protection against unfair practices, without unnecessary burdens for businesses operating downstream of the production chain.
The Association considers that the existing tools ensure, in general, a fair balance between different economic interests. It considers, however, that the implementation of anti-dumping and subsidy regulations remains complex and time-consuming.
In this context, it calls for simplification of procedures and a reduction in the time needed to submit complaints and carry out investigations, in order to protect affected producers more quickly.
According to Mr. Skarlatos, the changes will allow the EU to react more flexibly, respecting the rules of the World Trade Organization, and will strengthen the competitiveness of the European chemical industry.
SEV's position on relations with China
SEV refers to a recent position paper of the European employers' organization, in which it participated, on EU-China trade and economic relations.
The text advocates a strategy that addresses unfair competition and strategic dependencies, while keeping the channels of trade and cooperation with China open.
It sets as key priorities the strengthening of the competitiveness of European businesses and ensuring a level playing field.
Source: RES-EAP
