“The EU should impose countervailing duties on imports from third countries if they violate EU anti-dumping or anti-subsidy rules. China is a particular focus here with its aggressive export policy,” read the VDMA’s paper.

The industry group – whose 3,600 members make everything from power transmission systems and machine tools to semiconductor machines and precision tools – made clear that it was ready to compete with Chinese rivals on a level playing field. However, it was also unequivocal that it feels those conditions do not exist and that it wants governments to intervene.

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‘Overtaking on a bend’: how China’s EV industry charged ahead to dominate the global market

‘Overtaking on a bend’: how China’s EV industry charged ahead to dominate the global market

“Chinese companies are heavily subsidised by the government. And they supply products to Europe that sometimes disregard our technical regulations. China is not playing fair, and politicians must respond to this,” said Bertram Kawlath, VDMA’s president.