A coalition of 44 European industry organizations, including the European Steel Association (EUROFER), has called for stronger EU trade defense measures to address unfair competition, global overcapacity and state-driven market distortions.
In a joint statement, the organizations highlighted growing pressure on European manufacturers from low-priced imports and high energy costs. They pointed to the EU's goods trade deficit with China, which reached approximately €359.8 billion in 2025, equivalent to nearly €1 billion per day.
The coalition urged the European Commission to strengthen the application of existing trade defense instruments, including antidumping duties, antisubsidy measures and safeguards. It also called for tougher action against circumvention practices and greater consideration of environmental and social costs when determining dumping margins and duties.
Beyond existing measures, the organizations proposed new targeted policy tools to address distortions caused by government-supported production investments outside the EU, which they said contribute to underpriced exports.
However, the coalition emphasized that stronger trade protection should preserve integrated European supply chains, particularly those involving Norway, Switzerland and the UK, while remaining consistent with international trade obligations.
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