Key facts
- The EU has implemented new regulations on steel and e-commerce imports from China.
- A 3 euro customs duty applies to parcels valued under 150 euros.
- Annual tariff-free steel import quotas are set at 18.3 million metric tons, with a 50% duty on excess volumes.
- The EU's trade deficit with China reached approximately 360 billion euros in 2025.
- China has indicated opposition to the new EU measures and warned of a response.
The European Union has implemented new regulations aimed at protecting its domestic industries and consumers from the impact of trade imbalances with China. These measures include a new 3 euro customs duty on small e-commerce packages valued under 150 euros and revised rules for steel imports.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the changes are intended to restore fairness for European businesses and better protect consumers, citing the surge in low-value imports as an unfair disadvantage and a potential safety risk. The EU's trade deficit with China has been growing, reaching approximately 360 billion euros in 2025.
The new steel import rules establish tariff-free quotas at 18.3 million metric tons annually, with an out-of-quota duty of 50% on 26 types of steel. The regulations also require greater transparency regarding the origin of steel production to prevent circumvention. The European Steel Association has highlighted a crisis in the sector, with crude steel output falling to historic lows.
Experts like Gary Ng suggest the 3 euro tax may not significantly alter the overall price gap between European and Chinese goods, though it could reduce impulse purchases. China's Ministry of Commerce has indicated opposition to the new regulations, warning of a firm response to any discriminatory measures. Alicia García-Herrero noted that this could be a precursor to broader measures against overcapacity.
China is the world's largest steel producer, but the EU imports steel from various trade partners, with some exemptions granted to Ukraine. A report from Tsinghua University identified a surge in subsidized Chinese manufacturing exports as a significant security risk, predicting further tariffs from the EU and potentially other nations.