Recently, the EU has made a series of "big moves" against China, which makes people wonder: What kind of trick is this playing? First started with new energy vehicles, then focused on biofuels, and now has raised the anti-dumping duty to a sky-high price of 235.6%. It's faster than magic!
As soon as von der Leyen was re-elected president of the European Commission, she couldn't wait to make a move against China. The strong woman's attitude can be called "tough", saying that China's economic competition is aggressive, and that China is too close to Russia. Yes, this is characterizing China as a "competitor".
What is the EU's goal this time? Erythritol! That's right, it's the miracle substance that makes you eat sweets without gaining weight. The EU imposes temporary anti-dumping duties of 31.9%~235.6% on Chinese erythritol enterprises. This tax rate is sweeter than sugar!
Speaking of erythritol, it's an interesting thing. It is a sweetener that allows you to satisfy your appetite without turning your body "rounded". Europeans and Americans are famous for their sweet tooth, but they are afraid of gaining weight, and erythritol is simply their savior.
However, the EU's operation this time seems to be attacking Chinese companies, but it is actually asking for trouble for itself. Think about it, Europeans love sweets so much, and now adding high tariffs to China's erythritol products is tantamount to making Europeans pay more money in disguise? Isn't that shooting yourself in the foot?
China, of course, will not sit idly by. The Ministry of Commerce immediately announced that it would conduct an anti-dumping review investigation on stainless steel products from the European Union and other countries. This trick is amazing! You hit my sweetener, and I'll beat your steel. One is the "little sweet" in life, and the other is the "big guy" in industrial development, which is more important and which is more important, at a glance.
What's even more interesting is that from the announcement of the EU's sanctions to China's countermeasures, it took less than a day. This response speed is even faster than buying online! It seems that China has already prepared all kinds of countermeasures, just waiting for the EU to make a move.
In fact, the EU's sanctions this time have little impact on Chinese companies. After all, the proportion of Chinese companies exporting erythritol to the EU is not high. It is the EU itself that kicks the iron plate. Their demand for sugar substitute products is not ordinarily large, and now they have to toss.
In the final analysis, the EU's operation this time seems to be fighting a trade war, but in fact it is more like playing a "helpless play". United States suppresses China, and the European Union, as a little brother, can only make a fuss about these small things. It's a pity that this trick not only can't hurt China, but may hurt yourself.
So the question is: what is the EU trying to do this? Do you really want to suppress the Chinese economy, or do you simply want to show your presence? Or, do they feel that if they don't get along with China, they are sorry for their status as "allies"?
In any case, it is hoped that the EU will recognize the situation. Today's China is no longer the China that was slaughtered by others. Tough encounters will only hurt both sides, and equality and mutual benefit are the way to win.
Finally, I would like to ask: if you were a policymaker in the EU, how would you handle the economic relationship with China? Will the confrontation continue, or will it seek cooperation? What do you think about this?