Statele membre UE vor reducerea importurilor, în special din China, pentru a proteja industria chimică şi a maselor plastice (Reuters)

EU governments are pushing for the use of rare trade defense measures to protect the chemical and plastics industries from rising imports, particularly from China. France, Italy, and possibly Germany are expected to request import quotas, known as safeguard measures, in the coming weeks. The focus is on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin and other chemical products. Although France has not confirmed a specific request, it supports an investigation into certain chemicals. Germany is also open to such measures, responding to industry pressures. The EU has been hesitant to implement safeguard measures, but the changing geopolitical climate is prompting a reassessment. The European chemical industry is facing significant challenges, including high energy prices and competition from China, leading to massive layoffs.