China’s market economy status: EU Commission should assess impacts

Yesterday the College of European Commissioners had a first debate on how to treat China in anti-dumping procedures after December 2016. We recall that China as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) seeks to obtain the “market economy” status as a direct consequence of the expiry of Section 15 subparagraph (a)(ii) of its WTO Accession Protocol.

Talking about the outcome of the College debate Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BUSINESSEUROPE said:

“We very much support the Commission’s intention to take the time to conduct an in-depth assessment of the potential impact of any change in the EU’s anti-dumping legislation on the EU economy. China is as an important player on the world scene and a key trade and investment partner of the EU. Therefore the EU‘s decision-making process on this important issue should be transparent and involve the European business community”.

The College highlighted as well the importance for the EU to closely liaise with other trading partners even if they have different  legal frameworks.

“For European business the EU needs to coordinate with other major WTO members such as the United States and take their positions into account. This is important to avoid trade diversion of Chinese exports towards Europe as a consequence of differing views among key trading partners”.

BUSINESSEUROPE released its position paper with its key messages on China and market economy status in December 2015. Please find the document here.