EU lawmakers visit China for first time since 2018 amid plans to cut imports

By Aamir Latif

ISLAMABAD (AA) - A 12-member delegation from the European Parliament's International Trade Committee (INTA) arrived Tuesday in China for the first visit of its kind since 2018, Chinese state media reported.

The lawmakers are touring Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai during their three-day visit, which will run through Thursday, the Global Times reported.

They will meet their Chinese counterparts and government officials and visit Chinese tech innovators Unitree and BrainCo.

It will be the committee's first China trip since 2018 and the European Parliament's fourth China delegation in 2026, the parliament said in a statement.

Chinese experts welcomed the trip but warned that the EU is sending mixed signals by engaging in dialogue while planning new curbs on Chinese imports, arguing the double-dealing undermines "good-faith" talks.

The EU reportedly plans to use safeguard measures to cut imports of Chinese chemicals, furniture and machinery, possibly as early as the first quarter of 2027.

China urged the EU on Tuesday to respect market principles and fair competition and refrain from abusing trade-remedy instruments, following reports that the EU was considering new measures to restrict imports of Chinese products.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing that strengthening dialogue and consultation based on mutual respect, and deepening economic and trade cooperation, served China and the EU's common interests.
Since July, low-value parcels entering the EU have faced a temporary customs duty of €3 ($3.34), and from Nov. 1, an additional handling fee of €2 will apply.

About 93% of the parcels previously came from China.

Amir Latif Arain