Chinese export pressure threatens Germany's car and machinery industries
Chinese exports are hitting Germany's core industries with unprecedented force, putting jobs at risk, while Beijing has swiftly retaliated against new EU sanctions. An expert warns Europe could also lose its lead in the next industrial frontier — biomanufacturing.
Chinese exports are currently pressuring Germany's key industrial sectors with an intensity and speed not seen before, threatening large numbers of jobs and pushing European policymakers to search for ways to slow the trend. The issue was discussed on the "Berlin Playbook" podcast, where journalist Rixa Fürsen spoke with Janka Oertel, a political scientist and China expert who directs the Asia program and serves as senior policy fellow at the think tank European Council on Foreign Relations.
The conversation highlighted that the threat is no longer abstract — it is directly hitting sectors central to Germany's economy, including car manufacturing and mechanical engineering. Beijing's readiness to respond quickly and forcefully was illustrated by its reaction to recent European Union sanctions: within 24 hours, China countered with export restrictions targeting several defense manufacturers, including Rheinmetall.
Tougher EU response expected
Despite this pushback, support is growing across Europe for a firmer stance, and stricter trade protection measures against Chinese imports could be adopted at the EU Council meeting in October.
The next frontier: biomanufacturing
Oertel also pointed out that while Europe is still debating electric vehicles, China is already preparing for the next industrial revolution. Beijing is working to establish global dominance in so-called biomanufacturing, aiming to reduce its dependence on fossil raw materials. She warned that Europe risks losing its current leading position in this emerging technology as well if it fails to act in time.
