EU Ready to Protect Industry From Chinese Trade Practices, Says Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared that the European Union stands prepared to safeguard its industries against what he characterised as unfair trading practices from China. Merz accused Beijing of leveraging state subsidies and maintaining an artificially undervalued currency to secure competitive advantages in global export markets.

The remarks underscore escalating concerns within the EU over China's trade methodology, particularly regarding state support for domestic manufacturers and currency management strategies that critics argue artificially depress the cost of Chinese goods abroad.

Merz's comments come amid broader European efforts to reassess trade relationships with China and establish firmer protective measures for key industrial sectors. The EU has increasingly scrutinised Chinese trade practices in recent years, introducing tariffs and launching investigations into specific industries deemed vulnerable to unfair competition.

The statement signals that Germany, as Europe's largest economy, remains committed to coordinated EU action on trade matters. Officials in Brussels have indicated willingness to employ available trade remedies should negotiations fail to address European concerns about market access and competitive fairness.