EU leaders back stronger trade defences amid Chinese export surge

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EU leaders agreed to enhance trade defenses against a surge in Chinese exports to protect European industry, amid a large EU goods trade deficit with China of about 360 billion euros. The EU intends to retain constructive dialogue with China despite these protective measures.

EU leaders agreed on Thursday to strengthen trade defences against a surge of Chinese exports that Brussels views as a threat to European industry, while maintaining “constructive dialogue” with Beijing. The move reflects growing concern over the EU’s dependence on China, as the bloc’s goods trade deficit reached about 360 billion euros last year.