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The European Union has issued a warning regarding Chinese medical devices, citing discriminatory practices by Beijing that favor domestic suppliers over EU manufacturers in public procurement bids.
The investigation revealed that Chinese policies mandate hospitals to prioritize local suppliers, prompting concerns about fair competition in the industry.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has expressed intentions to engage in discussions with Chinese authorities to address the issue. Failure to reach a resolution could result in the EU restricting Chinese companies’ access to EU contracts for a period of five years.
The findings have escalated trade tensions between the EU and China, with both parties imposing tariffs and launching investigations into various products. The EU has utilized its International Procurement Instrument for the first time to investigate the matter and may limit market access if negotiations prove unsuccessful.
The report highlights China’s ambitious “Made in China 2025” strategy, which aims to significantly increase the domestic production of high-end medical devices. Transparency issues and discriminatory practices in procurement processes have been flagged as major concerns.
While the EU is committed to fostering mutually beneficial trade relations with China, it insists on upholding a level playing field in public procurement. Efforts to address the imbalance in trade and economic relations continue, with leaders from both sides engaging in discussions to find a resolution.
President of the European Council, António Costa, emphasized the importance of fair competition and cooperation in trade relations during a recent conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders expressed a commitment to the multilateral trading system and the need for expanded cooperation.