According to multiple foreign media reports, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is considering imposing tariffs on Chinese chemical products and equipment. Unlike previous anti-dumping investigations targeting specific products, the current discussion focuses on sector-wide tariffs, which, if implemented, would have a far broader impact than previous measures.
Sefcovic is scheduled to meet with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao in Brussels on June 29 to discuss trade issues. It is understood that the European Commission has already drawn up a package of trade defence measures to address imports from China, which it says "have shaken the position of European producers."
Sector-wide tariffs: chemicals may become a "key target"
Reports indicate that the leaders of the 27 EU member states have previously reached a consensus that Chinese exports pose an "existential threat" to European industry, making it necessary to strengthen trade defence. In 2025, the EU's goods trade deficit with China stood at approximately €360 billion.
Some analysts suggest that one possible way to strengthen the EU's trade defence system is to establish new mechanisms to impose sector-wide tariffs on specific industries such as chemicals and green technologies. EU official data show that in 2025, chemical products accounted for 9.8% of EU imports from China, representing a relatively high weight in the import structure.
Anti-dumping duties on adipic acid officially imposed at 29.1%-42.3%
On May 5, 2026, the European Commission published a notice imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on adipic acid originating in China. Among them, Chongqing Huafon Chemical Co., Ltd. faces a duty of 29.1%, Tangshan Zhonghao Chemical Co., Ltd. 29.1%, other cooperating companies 31.5%, and all other Chinese producers/exporters 42.3%.
As a result, China's total exports of adipic acid to the EU have dropped sharply to 10.04% of total exports, with only 11,900 tonnes exported to the EU in the first three months of 2026. Overall, however, the measure has had a limited negative impact on Chinese exports, and this impact had been gradually absorbed after the preliminary ruling.
BASF files request for anti-dumping investigation into PBAT
On June 4, 2026, the European Commission published a notice initiating an anti-dumping investigation into aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters originating in China, following a complaint lodged by EU company BASF on April 20, 2026. The products covered include poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(butylene sebacate-co-terephthalate) (PBSeT).
This investigation is significant. In 2025, China's exports of PBAT to EU countries reached 69,200 tonnes, accounting for 50.95% of total PBAT exports, and in the first four months of 2026, exports to EU countries had already reached 34,700 tonnes, with the share rising to 55.98%. Europe is one of the largest destination markets for Chinese PBAT, and once this anti-dumping investigation concludes with definitive measures, the impact could be substantial.
Internal divisions within the EU remain difficult to bridge
Although EU institutions have taken an increasingly tough stance, the EU is not monolithic. According to media reports, due to internal disagreements and concerns about possible Chinese countermeasures, the EU may find it difficult to reach agreement on concrete measures.
Specifically, Germany, given its high economic dependence on the Chinese market, has maintained a relatively cautious approach; Spain, hoping to attract Chinese investment, also tends to avoid escalating tensions.
Impact on China's chemical industry
Unlike anti-dumping investigations targeting individual products, the imposition of sector-wide tariffs would impose broad cost pressures on Chinese chemical products with high export shares to Europe, affecting a wider range of products and making it more difficult for companies to circumvent the measures through re-exports or transshipment.
At the same time, the EU is also considering a plan for "multi-sourcing rules" for key components, which would force European companies to diversify their supplier base and thereby reduce dependence on China. The policy is aimed at key sectors such as chemicals and industrial machinery. In the short term, it could prompt EU customers to actively scale back their procurement ratios from Chinese suppliers.
Conclusion
The EU's proposed tariff increases on Chinese chemical products are both a continuation of trade protectionism and a reflection of the competitive pressures facing the European chemical industry. However, for now, the sector-wide tariffs are still at the discussion stage, and whether final consensus can be reached remains unknown.
