European parliament gives China a black eye over trade status

Steel dumping by Beijing has led to anti-Chinese sentiment among EU states, resulting in huge vote against giving country market economy status

The timing of the steel crisis could hardly have been worse for China. Beijing is desperate to be granted market economy status within the World Trade Organisation but is running into stiff opposition from both the US and Europe.

With Chinese steel being dumped on global markets, the European parliament on Thursday voted against the idea that China should be treated the same as the EU or the US by a thumping margin. The decision puts pressure on the European commission to either oppose market economic status outright or include safeguards for specific industries.

Related: UK steel boost as MEPs oppose giving China market economy status