Free Trial

China retaliates against EU with a ban on European medical devices

President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China Jens Eskelund talks during a press conference for the latest report on European companies in China on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)

Key Points

  • China has banned European medical device companies from selling to the Chinese government on contracts above 45 million yuan, effective immediately.
  • The ban exempts European firms that have invested in China and manufacture locally, and serves as retaliation for the EU’s restrictions on Chinese medical devices above 5 million euros.
  • This move follows China’s recent anti-dumping duties on European cognac and ongoing investigations into EU pork and dairy products amid broader trade disputes.
  • Beijing insists it preferred dialogue to resolve procurement barriers but felt “forced” to implement countermeasures after the EU maintained its protectionist measures.
  • Interested in ? Here are five stocks we like better.

BANGKOK (AP) — China said Sunday that European medical device companies will be barred from selling to the Chinese government as a countermeasure for the European Union's restrictions on the sale of similar products from China.

European companies will be excluded if the budget for procurement is above 45 million yuan ($6.28 million), according to a notice from the Finance Ministry on Sunday with the restrictions in place the same day. The move will not apply to European companies that have invested in China and that manufacture goods in the country.

China on Friday imposed anti-dumping duties on European brandy, most notably cognac produced in France. While the duties on brandy include several exceptions for major brandy producers, China and the EU have multiple trade disputes across a range of industries. China protested after many European countries levied duties on EVs made in China. Since then, China has also launched investigations into European pork and dairy products.

In June, the EU announced that Chinese companies were to be excluded from any government purchases of more than 5 million euros ($5.89 million). The measure seeks to incentivise China to cease its discrimination against EU firms, the EU said, accusing China of erecting "significant and recurring legal and administrative barriers to its procurement market.”

In response, China has said it had “no choice but to implement countermeasures.”

“China has repeatedly expressed through bilateral dialogues that it is willing to properly handle differences with the EU through dialogue and consultation and bilateral government procurement arrangements,” said a statement from a spokesman with the Ministry of Commerce. “Unfortunately, the EU has ignored China’s goodwill and sincerity and still insisted on taking restrictive measures and building new protectionist barriers.”

Where Should You Invest $1,000 Right Now?

Before you make your next trade, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis.

Our team has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and none of the big name stocks were on the list.

They believe these five stocks are the five best companies for investors to buy now...

See The Five Stocks Here

2025 Gold Forecast: A Perfect Storm for Demand Cover

Unlock the timeless value of gold with our exclusive 2025 Gold Forecasting Report. Explore why gold remains the ultimate investment for safeguarding wealth against inflation, economic shifts, and global uncertainties. Whether you're planning for future generations or seeking a reliable asset in turbulent times, this report is your essential guide to making informed decisions.

Get This Free Report
Like this article? Share it with a colleague.

Featured Articles and Offers

Recent Videos

3 Made in America Stocks Under $20 You Need to See!
3 Cheap Growth Stocks Set to Explode This Summer
The Next NVIDIA? Quantum Computing Stocks Set for Explosive Growth

Stock Lists

All Stock Lists

Investing Tools

Calendars and Tools

Search Headlines