EU launches import surveillance tool to combat trade diversion risks

By leveraging fact-based insights built on customs data, the tool will allow the Commission to swiftly detect such surges and take timely, effective action to shield the EU market from adverse impacts, the European Commission said in a statement.

To strengthen this initiative, the Commission is encouraging EU manufacturers, industry associations, and Member States to review the import trend data available on the tool’s website. Stakeholders are also invited to provide additional market intelligence and information on the industry's economic conditions. This collaborative approach will help the Commission better identify specific products that may be at risk due to notable increases in imports.

The surveillance tool is a key component of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s initiative to establish an import surveillance task force. This dedicated group is responsible for addressing the growing threat of trade diversion amid increasing volatility in the global trading system. The task force supports the Commission’s decision-making process by providing timely, data-driven insights.

Previously, the task force developed an internal dashboard that monitors all imports to the EU. Using statistical analysis, it identifies products that have experienced potentially harmful import spikes. The tool focuses on data from January 1, 2025, onwards and will continue to track imports and other economic indicators on an ongoing basis. Results will be made available online regularly, ensuring transparency and real-time monitoring.

In parallel, the Commission is initiating a dialogue with China to monitor possible trade diversion developments and ensure any significant changes are promptly addressed. This proactive engagement is intended to help the EU stay ahead of emerging global trade trends and mitigate potential risks.

“Recent turbulence in the global trading system has increased the risk of harmful trade diversion - products diverted from high tariff markets could find their way to Europe, which is why the Commission is taking strong action. We are the world’s most open market, which is a huge source of prosperity for our people and companies, and we won’t let illegal and unilateral trade measures harm this key strength. With this new import surveillance tool, we are boosting our capacity to protect our own interests and stop surges in imports diverted to our market,” said Maros Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)