France Pushes for 30% EU Tariffs on Chinese Imports

France Calls for 30% EU Tariffs on Chinese Imports

Europe’s industrial sector, once a proud symbol of strength and innovation, is facing one of its toughest tests in decades. French official Clément Beaune has sounded the alarm, calling for a bold European response — a 30% tariff on Chinese products — to prevent what he describes as a “systemic threat” to the continent’s economic future.

A “Shield” to Defend Europe’s Industry

Beaune, France’s High Commissioner for Planning, unveiled a new report urging the EU to adopt a “massive commercial shield” in the form of steep duties on Chinese goods.
He argues that Europe’s producers are being suffocated by a widening cost gap — with Chinese production costs up to 40% lower than those in Europe.

“If we don’t act now, Europe’s industrial base could be fatally weakened,” Beaune warned during an interview with TF1.

His warning follows growing concerns that the European Union’s current trade tools are no longer sufficient to protect its key industries, from manufacturing to green technology.

Beyond Low-Cost Goods: China’s Tech Leap

What once seemed like competition mainly in low-cost sectors has evolved into a far broader challenge.
The report highlights that China is now outperforming Europe in strategic and high-value fields such as:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Renewable energy technologies
Advanced manufacturing and robotics
Defence and nuclear sectors

Even Germany — traditionally Europe’s industrial powerhouse — is described as “highly exposed” to the Chinese surge, with up to two-thirds of its domestic production now under threat from cheaper imports.

Why Current Measures Aren’t Enough

While the EU and France have already taken steps to address trade imbalances — such as adding a €3 import tax on small parcels arriving from outside the bloc (effective from July 2026) and France’s own €2 levy — Beaune insists these are “necessary but insufficient.”

Two Bold Options Proposed:

Option 1: A 30% blanket tariff on Chinese imports, roughly matching Europe’s cost disadvantage.
Option 2: A controlled depreciation of the euro (by 20–30%) to boost competitiveness against the yuan.

Both ideas aim to level the playing field and restore Europe’s industrial sovereignty.

Rising Geopolitical and Trade Tensions

This debate comes as EU–China trade tensions reach a boiling point. By 2024, the EU’s trade deficit with China exceeded €300 billion, with China supplying over 21% of EU imports.
As low-cost Chinese electric vehicles, solar panels, and tech products flood European markets, policymakers are grappling with the balance between openness and resilience.

Critics argue that raising tariffs could stoke inflation. Beaune counters this concern bluntly:

“If tens of thousands of jobs vanish, consumers won’t have the means to consume — that’s the real inflation risk.”

What Comes Next for Europe?

Beaune’s proposal reflects a growing shift in European thinking — from free trade at any cost to strategic protectionism.
The European Commission is already investigating Chinese subsidies on electric vehicles, and more industries may soon follow.

Whether or not Beaune’s 30% tariff proposal gains traction, one thing is clear:
Europe’s economic independence and industrial vitality are now central to the continent’s political agenda.