The European Union is weighing tougher trade measures against China as officials grow increasingly concerned about a surge of Chinese exports flooding European markets, Bloomberg reported Monday.

EU policymakers are discussing whether existing trade defenses are sufficient or whether new mechanisms are needed to protect European industries from what they see as China’s excess manufacturing capacity. One option under review is the bloc’s anti-coercion instrument, a powerful tool designed to respond to economic pressure from foreign governments.

The debate comes as Europe finds itself squeezed between slowing domestic competitiveness and rising global trade tensions. While US-China tariffs have dominated attention internationally, Europe’s own relationship with Beijing has deteriorated over disputes involving market access, industrial subsidies, procurement rules, and investment restrictions.

European leaders worry that China’s growing trade surplus and weak domestic demand are pushing more low-cost exports into Europe, threatening local manufacturers. Meanwhile, European companies in China report increasing regulatory hurdles and uncertainty.

The issue is expected to feature prominently during upcoming EU Commission discussions and a June summit of EU leaders, where officials will try to forge a unified strategy toward China, something the bloc has historically struggled to achieve because member states hold differing economic and political priorities.

The conversation also connects to international concerns about “global imbalances,” including America’s large deficits, Europe’s weak investment levels, and China’s export-heavy economic model. France, under its G7 leadership role, has been pushing these concerns higher on the global agenda.

For Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission, the debate represents a major test of whether the EU can simultaneously defend its industries, maintain competitiveness, and present a coherent economic strategy toward China.