The European Union has launched an investigation into China’s medical devices market, alleging concerns over alleged favoritism toward domestic suppliers and potential restrictions on imports. The probe, announced in the EU’s official administrative journal, cites potential practices such as a ‘Buy China’ policy and conditions that lead to abnormally low bids. The EU also expressed concerns about import restrictions that disadvantage European economic operators.
Beijing has reacted swiftly, accusing the EU of protectionism and damaging its own image. China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, urged Brussels to refrain from using excuses to suppress Chinese businesses. The medical devices market in China is the second largest globally, trailing only the United States.
Under the EU’s International Procurement Instrument, this investigation aims to promote reciprocity in access to international public procurement markets. Should the probe reveal unfair behavior by China, the EU could limit Chinese companies’ participation in the 27-nation bloc’s public procurement market. The investigation is expected to conclude within nine months, with a potential five-month extension. Beijing has been invited to provide its perspective and engage in consultations to address the alleged practices.
This probe is part of a series of investigations targeting China’s practices in various sectors. The EU has recently launched investigations into green tech subsidies, wind turbine suppliers, solar panels, electric cars, and trains. These investigations reflect the EU’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Chinese technology and ‘derisk’ its economic ties with China.
The European Parliament recently approved a ban on products made using forced labor, which supporters aim to use to block goods from China’s Xinjiang region, where the Uyghur Muslim minority is alleged to face human rights abuses. The medical devices investigation follows the arrest of an aide to a German MEP on suspicion of spying for China.
