EU starts on tricky path towards relaxing China trade defence

The European Commission was scheduled to discuss on 13 January 2016 the European Union's trade relationship with China, torn over how to lower its defences to avert Chinese retaliation while protecting key industries against a damaging flood of cheap imports.

The debate held by commissioners was set to focus on the issue of whether to grant the country the status of market economy. This would make it harder for the EU to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese goods sold at knock-down prices, changing the criteria for determining a fair price.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: China's European charm offensive: silk road or silk rope? http://www.europeansources.info/record/chinas-european-charm-offensive-silk-road-or-silk-rope/

ESO: Background information: Splits are emerging in the EU over China’s push to gain market economy status http://www.europeansources.info/record/splits-are-emerging-in-the-eu-over-chinas-push-to-gain-market-economy-status/

EurActiv, 13.01.16: MEPs braced for fight over granting China 'Market Economy' status http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-society/meps-braced-fight-over-granting-china-market-economy-status-320904

EUObserver, 13.01.16: Divided EU debates China market economy status https://euobserver.com/eu-china/131801

Kathimerini, 11.01.16: EU set to weigh China’s eligibility for lower import tariffs http://www.ekathimerini.com/204937/article/ekathimerini/business/eu-set-to-weigh-chinas-eligibility-for-lower-import-tariffs

Politico, 13.01.16: Secret legal opinion inflames China trade fight http://www.politico.eu/article/secret-legal-opinion-inflames-china-trade-fight-market-economy-wto/

Blog: European Notepad, 08.01.16: Should the EU grant China Market Economy Status? What Machiavelli would say. http://notepad.ideasoneurope.eu/2016/01/08/eu-grant-china-market-economy-status-machiavell/

European Commission: DG Trade: Policy: Countries and Regions: China http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/china/

EP: EPRS: Study, March 2016: Worlshop: Market Economy Status for China after 2016? http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/535023/EXPO_STU(2016)535023_EN.pdf

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