A leading industry group warns that 300,000 EU manufacturing jobs could be lost in 2026 due to increased competition from China, which holds a record €1bn-a-day trade surplus with the bloc.
A protest using 10 coffins, symbolising the decline of the EU manufacturing sector, will take place in Brussels on Monday. The event is organised by Eurometal, a trade body representing European metal producers, which has warned of a potential 300,000 job loss in EU manufacturing by the end of 2026.
Eurometal president Alexander Julius claims China is strategically embedding itself in supply chains through component manufacturing, aiming to control entire value chains. The group has urged the European Commission to address the impact of Chinese exports on European industries, particularly in metals and chemicals used in 90% of manufacturing. The EU has already imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and steel imports, but concerns remain about the long-term effects of Chinese competition.
Why it matters
Chinese trade surplus with the EU is increasing, raising concerns over manufacturing job losses in the bloc.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether companies continue sourcing from China despite Brussels' political rhetoric on industrial independence.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.