In recent months, the European Commission has observed a significant surge in imports from China, particularly in the machinery and chemical sectors. For example, imports of certain chemical substances have risen more than 36 times compared with the same period last year, while prices have dropped by about 95%. Imports of industrial robots have increased nearly eightfold, with average prices down about 29%. At present, it remains unclear whether these import activities constitute “dumping,” but the trade and logistics organization EvoFenedex has already expressed serious concerns.
The technology industry association FME also reported that its members are facing Chinese competitors who bid far below market rates—sometimes 40% to 50% lower than previous offers—indicating an aggressive pricing strategy.
From the business perspective, entrepreneur Remco Valk, active in the welding robot sector, noted that in recent months not only has the supply of Chinese robotic products risen sharply, but their promotional presence on social media has also become significantly stronger.
These developments correspond to China’s national industrial strategy “Made in China 2025.” Supported by low-interest loans, subsidies, tax incentives, talent development, and the establishment of research platforms, the Chinese government has strongly boosted the robotics industry. As a result, the number of intelligent robotics companies grew dramatically, reaching more than 451,000 last year, compared with 2020.
However, this rapid expansion is not without challenges. In the context of local governments competing for performance indicators, inefficiency and overcapacity issues often emerge. Surplus production capacity pushes companies to expand abroad at lower prices, intensifying price wars in the domestic market. Chinese authorities have also taken note of these aggressive pricing practices, acknowledging their impact on profit margins and economic recovery, and have called for a better balance between supply and demand to avoid excessive production.
Despite visible market pressure, the European Commission has stated that it is premature to take broad intervention measures and that it will continue to closely monitor imports in the chemical and machinery sectors. It is worth noting that to protect European industry, the EU has already imposed tariffs of up to 45% on electric vehicles from China and duties ranging from 21% to 62% on wooden products such as multilayer boards and panels. However, such protective measures could drive up consumer prices. Some trade partners are concerned that European manufacturing may not be able to scale up quickly enough to replace Chinese imports, potentially shifting future sourcing to other Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
Background Information
China is currently under pressure to diversify its exports, especially in the context of escalating trade tensions with the United States. Chinese companies are actively seeking new market outlets, which has accelerated their penetration into the European market, particularly in strategic sectors with high growth and substantial subsidies. At the same time, the EU is striving to balance industrial protection with consumer interests by applying import tariffs and strict regulations to maintain fair competition, while encouraging transparent, safe, and regulation-compliant European manufacturing
Conclusion
At present, the large-scale entry of low-priced Chinese products has brought tangible challenges to European industry. EU institutions and industry organizations are closely monitoring the situation. ACIEN will continue to follow this trend, providing timely policy insights and market analysis for member companies and stakeholders.
Source: This article is based on publicly available reporting from nos.nl.
Original link: https://nos.nl/artikel/2578493-chinese-producten-tegen-bodemprijzen-in-europa-meer-dan-50-procent-goedkoper
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