EU Accuses China of Discriminatory Practices in Medical Device Market

A European Commission investigation finds China unfairly restricting EU access to public procurement, prompting potential retaliatory measures.

The EU's investigation under its International Procurement Instrument (IPI) found clear evidence of China limiting EU medical device producers' access to government contracts.
The affected medical devices include X-ray machines, implants, hearing aids, crutches, bandages, and dentures, among others.
The European Commission is considering punitive measures, including restricting Chinese companies' access to EU public procurement markets if no resolution is reached through dialogue.
This marks the first investigation under the IPI, which was adopted in 2022 to promote reciprocity in public procurement markets.
The findings add to growing trade tensions between the EU and China, which have escalated following mutual accusations of unfair trade practices and retaliatory tariffs in recent years.