While the EU is hoping to resolve a trade dispute with China over critical raw materials – like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other rare earth elements – it is already looking to diversify its supply and boost its in-house extraction and production. Which EU member states are in the crosshairs?
Four out of five products identified as potentially problematic originated from China. With only 82 items checked per million, the European Commission is calling on member states to increase their inspection efforts.
Although China and the EU drew closer at a summit in Beijing last month, trade disputes over electric vehicles, dairy, pork and brandy are dragging on.
As the United States increasingly turns its back on Europe, the EU and China seek to draw closer. Trade tensions, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the pursuit of joint climate change ambitions however thwart progress.
European Commissioner Michael McGrath is worried about the huge flood of small parcels into the EU – mainly from China – posing risks to EU citizens and businesses. He hopes to move forward on the issue during a trip to China later this year.