Press Release: MEPs want ‘WTO-proof’ plan to protect EU firms against dumped Chinese imports

The European Parliament's international trade committee held a debate on 1 February 2016 with Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström regarding the European Union's commercial relations with China.

The committee broadly agreed with the Ms Malmström that to deal with China's recognition as a 'market economy', the European Union should find a solution, in line with WTO rules, that enables it to maintain good relations with China whilst retaining its ability to shield its economy against unfair competition from dumped Chinese imports.

On 2 February, trade ministers of the European Union met at an informal meeting of the Council of the European Union, in which they discussed issues related to granting China market economy status. On 10 February, the European Commission launched a public consultation into whether to relax trade defences against China.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: College orientation debate on the treatment of China in anti-dumping investigations http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-college-orientation-debate-on-the-treatment-of-china-in-anti-dumping-investigations/

EurActiv, 02.02.16: EU trade ministers to hold first talks on granting China MES http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-society/eu-trade-ministers-hold-first-talk-granting-china-mes-321482

EurActiv, 03.02.16: EU straining to grant China MES http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-society/eu-straining-grant-china-mes-321523

Shanghai Daily, 03.02.16: [Opinion] Early recognition of China's market economy status wise option for EU http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=318725

EurActiv, 10.02.16: Commission calls for input to prevent dumping from China http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-society/commission-calls-input-prevent-dumping-china-321754

European Commission: DG Trade: Public online consultation concerning a possible change in the methodology to establish dumping in trade defence investigations concerning the People’s Republic of China http://trade.ec.europa.eu/consultations/index.cfm?consul_id=191

EUObserver, 16.03.16: Time is right for EU to grant China market status https://euobserver.com/eu-china/132695

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