The trade policy landscape between the EU and China is shifting faster than ever. New anti-dumping duties, countermeasures, and sector investigations are reshaping import costs for European buyers.
Following the October 2024 provisional measures, the European Commission confirmed definitive countervailing duties on electric vehicles from China. BYD: +17.0%, Geely: +18.8%, SAIC: +35.3%. Other companies: +21.3%. Significant impact for any EV-adjacent components and accessories importers.
EU Council renewed anti-dumping measures on imports of stainless steel fasteners from China. Duties range from 12.5%–87.0% depending on manufacturer. Buyers of industrial hardware and construction fittings from China face significantly elevated landed costs.
In retaliation for EU EV duties, China imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on EU brandy/spirits, hitting French cognac exporters hardest. EU–China trade relationship deteriorating into broader tit-for-tat pattern beyond automotive sector.
The European Commission opened formal investigations under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) targeting Chinese companies bidding for EU public contracts and acquiring EU businesses. Indirect sourcing impact: tighter scrutiny on supply chain subsidies from China.
EU imposed definitive anti-dumping duties of 17.1%–36.2% on solar glass from China after investigation found below-cost dumping. Affects importers buying solar panels and photovoltaic components sourced from Chinese manufacturers.
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entered its definitive phase covering steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. Chinese exporters in covered sectors must now provide CBAM certificates. EU importers become legally responsible for CBAM compliance.
European Commission opened an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese wind turbine manufacturers. No duties yet but investigation signals continued expansion of EU trade defence measures into clean energy equipment beyond EVs.
EU and Chinese trade officials resumed quarterly dialogue, pausing the threat of tit-for-tat measures outside the EV dispute. Consumer goods and general merchandise sectors saw stabilisation in trade uncertainty. No new investigations announced in Q2 2025.
New anti-dumping duties up to 33.7% on certain cast iron railway wheels from China. Limited direct impact for consumer goods importers but signals continued EU willingness to defend heavy manufacturing sectors.
Current (May 2026) duty exposure by product category for EU importers sourcing from China.
Standard EU customs duty 0–14%. No sector-specific anti-dumping duties currently active — but WEEE, battery regulation, and CBAM (if aluminium-heavy) apply. Watch for potential RED/LVD enforcement increase.
Standard duty 3–6.5% for most categories. Stainless steel cookware may attract steel-related CBAM costs. No active anti-dumping measures for general cookware. Ceramic articles at 0% for most tariff lines.
12% duty on most woven fabrics from China. Finished bed/bath/table linen at 6.3–12%. No current anti-dumping measures active. Sector risk is primarily regulatory (azo dyes, REACH) rather than tariff.
Toys and children's articles: 0–4.7% customs duty. Pushchairs/prams: 0–4.2%. No active AD measures. Risk concentrated in compliance (EN 71, REACH phthalates, GPSR) not tariffs.
Solar glass: 17.1–36.2% anti-dumping duty since Oct 2025. Solar cells/modules from China subject to minimum import price (MIP) agreement monitoring. High complexity — consult specialist before ordering.
CBAM in full force for steel and aluminium imports since Sep 2025. Carbon certificates required. Safeguard measures on steel imports (25% additional duty above tariff-rate quota) remain active. Most exposed category.
LED luminaires: 3.5% customs duty. No active anti-dumping. Risk mainly from CE, LVD, and ErP/Ecodesign compliance. Solar garden lights may be caught by solar safeguards depending on PV component percentage.
Standard duty 0–3.7% for most pet accessories. Pet food from China effectively blocked by EU novel food / feed safety rules. Commission investigating pet treat imports after multiple recall events in 2024–2025.
Anti-dumping and CBAM measures attach to specific HS tariff codes. Before ordering, verify the exact code for your product and check the TARIC database for active measures.
Include MFN duty, any anti-dumping/anti-subsidy duty, CBAM cost (if applicable), VAT, and freight in your margin calculations. Use our Cost Estimator →
Under investigation periods, duties are not yet confirmed — it may be worth ordering before a definitive measure is imposed if your supply chain allows. Check our Sourcing Calendar →
For high-AD-risk categories, identify Vietnam, Malaysia, or India as alternative sourcing markets. Partial diversification reduces exposure to China-specific measures without abandoning the cost advantages entirely.
Anti-circumvention rules mean EU customs are increasingly scrutinising "Made in [third country]" goods that contain substantial Chinese-manufactured components. Ensure your certificates of origin are accurate.
The EU Official Journal publishes new trade defence investigation notices. Subscribe to DG Trade alerts or use our monthly intelligence reports to stay ahead of changes in your category.
SinoSource clients receive a regulatory and tariff update every month — including new investigations, duty changes, and what they mean for their specific product category.
