China strikes back: EU medical technology now under pressure!

China strikes back: EU medical technology now under pressure!

Brüssel, Belgien - The relationships between the European Union (EU) and China are topical, especially in the field of medical technology. As Oe24 decided to restrict the import of medical technology from the EU. From Sunday, imports with a value of over 45 million Yuan (around 5.3 million euros) must meet special requirements. This also affects medical technology from other countries if more than 50% of the contract value comes from components produced in the EU.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce justifies these measures with the allegedly protected barriers that the EU is building. The background to this decision is an ongoing investigation by the EU Commission, which is intended to check the fair access of European providers for public tenders for medical technology in China. Ultimately, this investigation could also result in negative consequences for Chinese companies in EU tenders.

Protectionist tendencies and trade conflicts

In addition, the EU has been complaining about the existing market access restrictions in China for a long time, which occurs in the form of slow certification processes and opaque approval systems. As Euronews , Chinese public tenders are increasingly demanding products that are manufactured directly in China. These tactics are part of a broader strategy to favor domestic companies and could lead to considerable tensions between the EU and China.

Brussels accuses Beijing of actively excluding European companies from public orders in the medical device sector. In 2022, the export goals to China already made 11% of the exports of medical devices from the EU, which underlines the importance of the Chinese market.

claims for fairness and possible retaliation measures

The EU Commission plans to take measures that are directed against unfair competition as part of the international procurement instrument. If the practices of China are also confirmed in the ongoing exams, retaliation measures in the form of excluding Chinese companies from public orders in the EU could follow. These inspections are already in full swing how reports on unannounced controls in a Chinese company in Poland and the Netherlands show.

The current tensions could continue to worsen, especially in view of the fact that China recently announced tariffs of up to 34.9% on Brandy from the EU, as a reaction to European tariffs to Chinese electric vehicles. A summit of the heads of state and government of the largest economies in the world is imminent and is scheduled to take place in China in July

The problem of medical technology is a significant example of the complex economic relationships between the EU and China. Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager described China as partners, economic competitors and systemic rivals. This once again shows the multi -layered challenges that shape the political and economic landscape of the two regions.

The import restrictions that will soon occur could not only affect the medical technology industry, but also significantly influence future trade relationships as a whole.