Brussels is taking fresh steps to unblock resistance in EU member states to higher US-style duties on steel allegedly dumped in European markets by China.
The attempt to revive a long-delayed plan to toughen EU penalties on dumped steel comes as a deadline approaches for China to be treated as a market economy in trade disputes under World Trade Organisation rules — a prime political goal for Beijing.
The issue presents a political challenge for Cecilia Malmstrom, EU trade commissioner, who is trying to reconcile complaints that surging Chinese imports are to blame for collapsing steel prices with anxiety in some member states that a sharp rise in duties would be too protectionist.