The European Commission is cracking down on a suspected construction chemicals cartel across France, Germany, and Spain. Several major manufacturers and trade associations have been hit with Statements of Objections for allegedly coordinating price hikes on cement and concrete additives between 2021 and 2022. If confirmed, these antitrust violations could result in fines up to 10% of global turnover.

The companies and trade associations accused of participating in the suspected construction chemicals cartel across France, Germany, and Spain include:

• France: Cemex, Chryso, Mapei, Master Builders Solutions, MC Bauchemie, Sika, TAM, and the trade association SYNAD.

• Germany: Cemex, Ha-be, Mapei, Master Builders Solutions, MC Bauchemie, Liesen, Remei, Sika, and the trade association Deutsche Bauchemie.

• Spain: Chryso, Mapei, Master Builders Solutions, MC Bauchemie, Sika, and the trade association ANFAH.

German-China Trade 2026: Imports Rise While Car Exports Plummet

Recent data from the Federal Statistical Office reveals shifting dynamics in the trade relationship between Germany and China during the first five months of 2026. China has firmly maintained its position as Germany’s most important trading partner for imports, reaching 72.4 billion euros between January and May—a 6.2% increase compared to the previous year.

At the same time, German exports to China fell by 14.5% to 29.6 billion euros, heavily impacted by a sharp 26.1% drop in motor vehicle exports and a 17.5% decline in machinery. This combination of rising imports and falling exports pushed Germany’s trade surplus with China up to 42.8 billion euros, compared to 33.5 billion euros during the same period in 2025.

The import data highlights a deep reliance on technology and green energy transition goods from China, which accounted for the vast majority of imported portable computers, smartphones, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic elements during this period. As these trends unfold, they point to significant structural changes in how the two industrial economies interact.

Dutch exports grew by 5.5 percent in May 2026, building on the 4.6 percent growth recorded in April. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that increased shipments of petroleum products and electrical machinery fueled this rise. Alongside exports, import volumes also trended upward, climbing 5.4 percent compared to May 2025. This surge in imports stemmed primarily from higher demand for petroleum, machinery, and chemical products.

Beyond current trade volumes, the outlook for Dutch exporters shows signs of stabilization. CBS data indicates that export conditions became less unfavorable in July than they were in May, largely due to a smaller contraction in German manufacturing output.

The domestic manufacturing sector also maintained strong momentum. Calendar-adjusted manufacturing output rose by 4.9 percent in May 2026 compared to the same month last year, matching April’s performance. While nearly 40 percent of industrial sectors saw production increases, the machinery sector stood out with the sharpest growth. Conversely, the chemical and transport equipment industries experienced the steepest production declines.

Optimism is spreading among Dutch manufacturers. Producer confidence climbed from -2.0 in May to 1.3 in June—the highest level recorded in nearly four years. This shift reflects a more positive outlook regarding production expectations for the coming three months. Manufacturers within the electronics and machinery sector expressed the highest levels of confidence, signaling a robust phase for the industry as it heads into the second half of the year.

The European Commission has officially initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of cylindrical primary alkaline manganese dioxide batteries from the People’s Republic of China. This proceeding follows a formal complaint lodged on May 18, 2026, by VARTA Consumer Batteries GmbH & Co. KGaA, which is supported by other major industry players including Energizer Europe B.V.. The core of the complaint alleges that Chinese producers are selling these batteries in the European Union at unfairly low, "dumped" prices, which the complainant argues is supported by evidence of significant economic distortions in China, such as state-directed influence, heavy subsidization, and unfair control over key raw materials like electrolytic manganese dioxide.

The investigation aims to determine whether these imports are causing material injury to the Union industry, with evidence already cited regarding declining market share, reduced profitability, and price undercutting for European producers during the period between 2022 and 2025. Furthermore, the complainants have highlighted that this situation deteriorated further in early 2026, threatening the long-term viability of EU manufacturing. The Commission is currently assessing whether imposing anti-dumping measures would serve the Union's interest, while also considering the possibility of retroactive duty collection through the registration of imports. Interested parties, including producers, importers, and users, are encouraged to participate in the process to ensure their views are considered as the Commission evaluates the potential for trade remedies.

The Netherlands saw a solid economic performance in 2025, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 1.6 percent. A deeper look at the data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reveals a clear trend: exports were the primary engine behind this growth.

Exports: The Main Driver

Exports of goods and services were responsible for 0.9 percentage points of that 1.6 percent growth, meaning they accounted for more than half of the total economic expansion.

What is particularly encouraging is the shift toward high-value activity. Domestic exports—goods actually manufactured within the Netherlands—were the strongest performers, contributing 0.5 percentage points to the growth. There was a notable surge in the exports of machinery, food, and agricultural products produced on Dutch soil.

Meanwhile, services exports added 0.3 percentage points, and goods re-exports (items imported and then shipped out with little processing) contributed 0.1 percentage points. This shift toward domestic manufacturing is significant because it typically generates more economic value for the country than simply re-exporting goods.

The Role of Domestic Spending

While exports led the way, domestic spending—which includes household consumption and business investment—contributed the remaining 0.7 percentage points to the growth.

It is worth noting that government expenditure was the largest contributor within this category. While household consumption and business investment also grew, their overall impact on GDP was dampened because a significant portion of those categories involves imported goods, which do not count toward Dutch GDP.

The 2025 figures highlight the continued importance of the Dutch manufacturing and export sector. After a difficult 2023, where a decline in exports led to an economic contraction, the country’s ability to produce and sell high-quality goods—particularly in machinery and agriculture—has proven to be a vital stabilizer and growth accelerator for the national economy.

The investigation was triggered by an application from INEOS Olefins & Polymers UK, a manufacturer based in Scotland. They argue that these imports are hurting their business. The TRA will determine if this dumping is occurring and if it is causing injury to the UK industry. If they find proof of harm, they may recommend new trade measures, such as tariffs, to ensure fair competition.

The European Commission has proposed a two-year plan to support Armenia’s economy by temporarily lifting trade duties on many of its exports.

This move comes in response to recent trade restrictions imposed by the Russian Federation, which have severely impacted Armenian producers of goods like wine, brandy, and agricultural products.

Key details of the proposal:

• Tariff Relief: The EU will temporarily suspend duties on a broad range of Armenian products, helping businesses access the European market more easily. This includes ferroalloys (HS 7202).

• Agricultural Support: Targeted duty-free quotas will be established for eight specific agricultural products.

• Solidarity & Resilience: This initiative aims to help Armenia diversify its trade routes, strengthen its economic resilience, and offset the negative impact of current external pressures.

This support package reinforces the EU-Armenia partnership, focusing on economic stability and shared democratic values.

A group of major European chemical producers—including BASF, Covestro, PCC Rokita, Shell, and Chimcomplex—has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission. They are requesting an official anti-dumping investigation into polyether polyols imported from China.

What is the product? Polyether polyols are versatile organic polymers used to make polyurethane. They are essential building blocks for:

• Flexible Foams: Used in furniture, mattresses, car seats, and footwear.

• Rigid Foams: Used for thermal insulation in refrigerators and buildings.

• CASE Applications: Coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers used in construction and automotive manufacturing.

The Producers’ Allegation The European companies claim that their businesses are under threat. They argue that Chinese producers are selling these materials at “dumped” prices—artificially low prices that do not reflect the true cost of production.

According to the complaint, this surge in cheap imports is hurting the European industry in several ways:

• Price Depression: The aggressive low-pricing from Chinese exporters has forced European producers to drop their prices to stay competitive, eating into their profits.

• Financial Strain: The European industry is seeing its financial performance deteriorate, making it difficult to cover production costs.

• Threat to Survival: The complainants argue that without intervention, EU production capacity will continue to shrink, potentially leading to the loss of a vital European industry.

What Happens Next? The European Commission is now tasked with investigating these claims. They will look at whether the Chinese imports are indeed unfairly priced and if they are causing “material injury” to European manufacturers. If the Commission finds the allegations to be true, they may impose anti-dumping duties to level the playing field and protect European production.

This case is a significant moment for the EU chemical sector, as it pits the need for affordable raw materials against the goal of maintaining a healthy, competitive manufacturing base within Europe.

The recent long-term partnership between Selecta one and Beekenkamp Group is a masterclass in how proactive regulatory navigation creates a sustainable competitive moat.

By centralizing propagation production at Selecta Wagagai in Uganda, these industry giants have done more than just achieve operational synergy—they have effectively aligned their supply chain with the latest EU phytosanitary standards.

The Intelligence Angle:

• Regulatory De-risking: By ensuring their production infrastructure met the rigorous “pest freedom” criteria established by recent EU regulations, the partners have effectively “pre-cleared” their supply chain for long-term access.

• Operational Moat: Meeting strict EU-mandated standards requires massive capital and technical expertise. This consolidation creates a barrier to entry that smaller competitors will struggle to replicate.

• Strategic Stability: By securing this exclusive agreement, both firms have insulated themselves from trade volatility, ensuring consistent market access through a proven, compliant hub.

In modern horticulture, regulatory compliance is no longer just a legal hurdle—it is a competitive asset. Companies that treat these technical standards as a core component of their market entry strategy are the ones defining the future of the supply chain.

The European Commission has recently initiated an “absorption reinvestigation” into imports of trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) from China. The core allegation? That Chinese exporters have been deliberately lowering their export prices to neutralize the remedial effect of anti-dumping duties imposed in late 2025.

It sounds like a straightforward case of trade circumvention. But look closer at the data, and a different story emerges—one dictated not by policy, but by global commodity markets.

The Urea Connection

TCCA production is heavily dependent on urea, a volatile commodity. When we overlay the price of TCCA exported to the EU with the global benchmark price for E. Europe Urea, the “absorption” narrative begins to collapse.

Between late 2025 and April 2026, both TCCA export prices and global urea benchmarks plummeted in near-perfect synchronization.

Market Dynamics vs. Intentional Absorption

The Commission’s investigation assumes that price decreases in the post-November 2025 period were a calculated effort to absorb duties. However, data from the World Bank’s “Pink Sheet” confirms that input costs for producers faced massive, market-driven swings during this exact window.

If an exporter reduces their prices because their primary raw material—urea—dropped by nearly 10% in a single month, is that “absorption,” or is that simply efficient market pricing?

What’s Next?

For companies currently being scrutinized, the defense is clear: Correlation is not causation. To successfully counter these allegations, exporters must move beyond the Commission’s simplistic view of trade flow and present a comprehensive cost-basis model.

By demonstrating that export price fluctuations are a direct reflection of underlying raw material volatility, the industry can force a re-evaluation of whether these trade defense measures are protecting European producers or simply distorting the reality of the global chemical market.

This analysis is based on public European Commission trade defense notices and independent commodity pricing benchmarks. The following interpretation represents my personal analysis and may reflect a particular perspective on market data.

The European Union has introduced Regulation (EU) 2026/1384, a new measure taking effect on July 1, 2026, aimed at protecting the European steel market from the damaging effects of global overcapacity.

The steel sector is a critical pillar of the EU economy, essential for industries like construction, clean technology, and defense. However, a massive, persistent surplus of steel production worldwide—expected to reach 721 million tonnes by 2027—has placed the European industry under severe strain, leading to job losses, financial struggles, and historically low production levels.

Key Features of the New Regulation

To combat these challenges, the EU has established a comprehensive framework that includes:

• Tariff Quotas and Duties: The regulation sets annual tariff-free import quotas for various steel product categories. Once these quotas are filled, an out-of-quota duty of 50% will be applied to prevent market flooding and trade diversion.

• “Melt and Pour” Transparency: To ensure better oversight of the supply chain, importers will eventually be required to provide evidence—such as a mill test certificate—identifying the “melt and pour” country of origin (where the raw steel was initially produced).

• Flexibility and Monitoring: The Commission will manage these quotas on a quarterly basis. During the first year, there is flexibility to carry over unused quotas to ensure stable supply chains, though future adjustments may be made based on market conditions.

• Strategic Adaptability: The regulation grants the Commission the power to adjust quota volumes and implement bilateral safeguard measures to respond quickly to market shifts, security needs, or further developments in global overcapacity.

Long-Term Goals

This regulation is part of the EU’s broader commitment to ensuring the viability, resilience, and sustainability of its steel industry, particularly as it undergoes a transition toward carbon-neutral production. The Commission is committed to regular, transparent reporting and will conduct periodic assessments to ensure these measures remain effective and proportionate to the needs of the market.

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) cleared the acquisition of the Italian medical technology leader Esaote S.p.A. by the Chinese giant Midea Group.

The Deal Structure

Midea has acquired full control of Esaote by purchasing the remaining shares of Shanghai Lu Zi, the holding company that owns the Italian firm. Midea, through its subsidiary Wandong, previously held a 22.49% stake; it has now bought out the remaining partners, including the majority shareholder Jiangsu Yuyue Technology.

Between January and April 2026, EU27 countries imported 97,404 new plug-in cars from China .... a 130% increase relative to the same period last year. Germany, Spain, Italy, and Poland saw significant volume increases; on the other side of the spectrum, Belgium (the EU’s main import gateway) saw its volumes shrink by some 36%, bringing the overall number of units for the first four months of 2026 to roughly 16,400 cars.

Are we seeing some inventory building before the expected tariffs for PHEVs kick in???

The Regulatory Basis

The WRO is grounded in 19 U.S.C. § 1307, a federal statute that mandates the detention of goods produced, in whole or in part, through forced labor.

The Evidence Against Serbia Zijin

CBP’s investigation concluded that there is “reasonable suspicion” that operations at the Serbia Zijin facility violate international labor standards. According to the agency, their findings were based on a wide array of evidence, including worker statements, photographs, field notes, and academic research.

The agency highlighted six specific International Labour Organization (ILO) indicators of forced labor identified at the facility: abuse of vulnerability, withholding of wages, intimidation and threats, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, and excessive overtime.

Importers now face a narrow path forward: they must either export or destroy their detained shipments, or provide sufficient evidence to CBP proving that the goods were not produced under forced labor conditions.

Company Response

Serbia Zijin Copper D.O.O. has publicly acknowledged the CBP decision, emphasizing that it takes the matter “seriously.” In a statement, the company affirmed its opposition to all forms of forced labor and stated it remains committed to complying with both applicable laws and international human rights standards.

The company is currently undertaking an internal review, noting that any assessment of labor rights should be based on “objective, sufficient, transparent, and verifiable facts.” They have expressed a willingness to engage in open dialogue and cooperate with independent, fact-based oversight.

This remains a developing situation as importers and the company navigate the impact of this trade enforcement action.

German Exports and Imports Rise in April 2026

German foreign trade gained momentum in April 2026 as both exports and imports recorded monthly and yearly growth. According to preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), calendar and seasonally adjusted exports grew by 0.9 percent compared to March 2026, reaching €136.6 billion. Imports climbed even faster, rising 1.2 percent to €122.1 billion.

On a yearly basis, the growth is even more pronounced. Compared to April 2025, German exports increased by 3.6 percent, while imports jumped by 6.2 percent. Because imports outpaced exports, the adjusted trade surplus narrowed slightly to €14.5 billion, down from €14.7 billion in March 2026 and €16.9 billion in April 2025.

Trade Within the European Union

Germany’s trade with European Union member states saw steady gains in April. Adjusted exports to EU countries edged up 1.0 percent to €79.1 billion compared to the previous month, while imports from the bloc grew by 0.4 percent to €61.0 billion. Within this group, exports to nations outside the euro area surged by 3.0 percent, while imports from those same countries dropped by 3.4 percent.

Shifts in Global Markets

Outside the EU, Germany’s trade relationships showed mixed results. The United States remained the top destination for German goods in April 2026. German businesses exported €11.4 billion worth of merchandise to the US, marking a 1.8 percent increase from March. However, this figure represents a sharp 12.9 percent drop compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, monthly exports to the United Kingdom plunged by 9.5 percent to €6.7 billion, and exports to China fell 3.5 percent to €5.8 billion.

On the import side, the People’s Republic of China maintained its position as Germany’s largest supplier. Germany imported €15.6 billion in goods from China, a slight 0.2 percent increase from March. Imports from the United States saw a significant boost, climbing 7.6 percent to €8.6 billion, while imports from the United Kingdom dropped 4.7 percent to €3.3 billion.

EU Launches Trade Probe Into Chinese Steel Shelving Imports

The European Commission has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of bolted and boltless steel shelves originating in China. The decision follows a formal complaint lodged on April 27, 2026, by the European Metal Shelving Manufacturers’ Defence Committee, which represents the European Union’s metal shelving industry.

The complaint alleges that Chinese manufacturers are exporting steel shelving units and their components into the EU at unfairly low prices, heavily undercutting local businesses and causing significant economic harm to European factories.

Allegations of State Intervention and Market Distortions

European manufacturers argue that domestic prices and production costs in China are highly distorted due to heavy government intervention. To back up these claims, the complainants pointed to state presence, bankruptcy laws, and deep-seated distortions regarding land, energy, capital, and labor. They specifically highlighted the steel sector, noting that China’s 14th Five-Year Plan directly promotes the steel shelving industry and its upstream suppliers.

Furthermore, the complainant provided evidence of raw material distortions. Hot-dipped galvanized and cold-rolled steel coils make up between 45 percent and 57 percent of production costs for these shelves. The Chinese government currently applies a VAT refund withdrawal on these materials, which keeps domestic prices significantly below international market rates.

Because of these artificial distortions, the European Commission will not use domestic Chinese prices to judge the dumping margins. Instead, investigators will construct a fair market value by comparing costs with a representative country, identifying Indonesia as an appropriate benchmark.

Impact on European Industry

According to the evidence submitted, cheap Chinese imports have steadily increased in both absolute volume and overall market share across the EU. This influx has forced European producers to lower their prices, resulting in lost sales, shrinking market shares, and a severe negative impact on the overall financial performance of the EU industry.

EU Launches Investigation Into Chinese Aspartame Imports After Price Drop

The European Commission has launched an interim review of anti-dumping measures on aspartame imports from China. The investigation follows a formal request from HSWT France S.A.S., representing the European Union’s aspartame industry, on April 14, 2026.

The review focuses specifically on whether current duties are high enough to protect European producers from financial harm. The Commission will evaluate whether Chinese imports are undercutting local prices and damaging the European market.

Overcapacity in China Harms Local Industry

The existing anti-dumping duties initially took effect under a 2022 regulation. However, the applicant provided evidence showing that market conditions have changed permanently since the original investigation.

According to the request, Chinese manufacturers have built up massive overcapacities of aspartame, causing global prices to plummet. European producers claim that despite current duties, Chinese imports have surged in volume and market share. This continuing price pressure has negatively impacted European market share, lowered employment, and damaged the overall financial health of local companies.

Furthermore, the structure of the EU industry has changed. The applicant previously operated as part of the multinational Ajinomoto Group, but has functioned as a standalone company since January 2019. This separation altered its production processes and costs, making it more vulnerable to unfair competition.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The European Commission agreed that sufficient evidence exists to justify a partial review. Investigators will focus on current production capacities in China and the pricing of its exports.

The review investigation period covers January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. To analyze broader trends, the Commission will examine data stretching back to January 1, 2022. If the Commission finds that current measures fail to prevent injury to the EU market, it may adjust the duties.

Interested parties have 37 days from the publication date of the official notice to submit comments regarding the investigation. Any requests for a formal hearing must be submitted within 15 days.

Dutch Manufacturing Output Jumps Nearly 5 Percent in April

The Dutch manufacturing sector grew significantly in April 2026, with calendar-adjusted output rising 4.7 percent compared to the same month last year. Data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reveals that production increased in approximately 60 percent of all industrial sectors.

Among the eight largest industries, the machinery sector recorded the sharpest growth in production, while the chemical industry suffered the largest decline.

Short-term figures also show positive momentum. After adjusting for seasonal and working-day effects, manufacturing output grew by 1.4 percent in April compared to March. While production has steadily risen over the last few months, experts note it is still too early to determine if this upward trend will last long-term.

Producer Confidence Drops in May

Despite the strong production numbers in April, manufacturer morale shifted the following month. Producer confidence fell from -0.7 in April to -2.0 in May, dropping below the 20-year average of -1.3.

The decline stems largely from manufacturers turning less optimistic about their expected output for the next three months. Confidence dropped across most sectors, with electronics and machinery manufacturers experiencing the sharpest decline. Conversely, the textile, clothing, and leather industry reported the strongest boost in confidence.

Overall, metal industry manufacturers remained the most pessimistic about the near future, while those in repair, installation, and furniture sectors expressed the highest optimism.