European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is preparing to press EU commissioners for tougher measures against subsidised Chinese imports, reports Politico of Arlington, Virginia.

Ms. von der Leyen will ask commissioners to back new powers to counter low-cost Chinese goods flooding the single market. France is pressing for stronger protections, while Germany remains cautious, fearing retaliation that could hurt its export industries. The EU's trade deficit with China widened to EUR360 billion (US$419 billion) in 2025, up from EUR312 billion in 2024.

Officials say Ms. von der Leyen and her chief of staff, Bjorn Seibert, are pushing for a harder line, arguing Europe must act against what they call 'China Shock 2.0.' EU industry chief Stephane Sejourne stated that Europe cannot allow its industries to be 'victims of a predatory strategy.'

Ms. von der Leyen will take the issue to the G7 summit in France on June 15 and then to the European Council in Brussels on June 18. No formal proposals are expected yet, but measures could be unveiled in her State of the Union address in September.

Germany's Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said Berlin seeks a balanced approach, but analysts note growing alarm in Germany over Chinese imports undercutting its manufacturing base. Spain, meanwhile, has distanced itself from French-led calls for safeguard investigations, with Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo urging engagement with Beijing.

Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has joined Sejourne in calling for tougher action, warning of Europe's dependency on China. Others, including Teresa Ribera, argue cooperation may serve Europe better. Analysts say the EU must act quickly as Chinese exports, restricted in the United States, are redirected to Europe's open market.