Flagship newsletter icon
From Semafor Flagship
In your inbox, every weekday
Sign up

Brussels trains ‘trade bazooka’ at Beijing

Sep 29, 2026, 6:26pm EDT
PostEmailWhatsapp
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Yves Herman/Reuters

The EU is threatening to aim its “trade bazooka” at China, as the two giant economies fall out over Brussels’ allegation that Beijing abused commercial ties.

European countries have hardened their stance against Chinese imports over fears that an influx of goods like solar panels and EVs could hollow out the bloc’s industries. The two are haggling over EU quotas on Chinese imports, Euronews reported, though it’s “unclear how China would accept and respect such quotas.” The European Commission has set an October deadline for progress in the negotiations, as France and Germany push for harsher measures.

Beijing and Berlin “exchanged opinions” on trade relations Tuesday, The South China Morning Post reported.

AD