Brussels flags worrying trends in a quarter of EU imports

The European Commission's top trade-enforcement official says nearly a quarter of EU imports show persistently worrying growth. Denis Redonnet highlighted machinery, textiles, base metals and chemicals at the European Parliament on 1 October. Reuters reported that Chinese-origin goods were the main driver.

The EU imported €2.53 trillion of goods in 2025, including €571 billion from China, while the bilateral goods deficit reached €360 billion. The effect differs for Hungarian manufacturers and retailers: cheaper inputs can help, but stronger price competition can hurt domestic and EU suppliers. Related background includes our coverage of EU oil-import costs and duties on Chinese pea protein.

The Commission has opened 27 new trade-defence cases so far in 2026. A barometer signal is not an automatic tariff. The next step would require sector evidence, an investigation and a lawful EU decision.