Alessandra Amicucci, Nicolò Gnocato, Vanessa Gunnella, Clara Lindemann, Alfonso Merendino and Carlos Montes-Galdón
Published as part of the ECB Economic Bulletin, Issue 3/2026.
The expanding presence of Chinese firms poses significant competitiveness challenges for the euro area that are increasingly visible in its economic performance, both domestically and abroad. Euro area producers have been losing market shares where they face competition from China, particularly since 2020. China’s import penetration has increased considerably in the European market – especially in medium and high-tech industries – putting pressure on European producers.