This Week in Manufacturing — Brussels (#16, 2026)
Anti-dumping duties on Chinese pea protein; Parliament backs chemicals simplification; New Mercosur tariff quotas; Commission plans regulatory deep cleaning; GSP trade reform adopted.
April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026
Anti-dumping duties on Chinese pea protein; Parliament backs chemicals simplification; New Mercosur tariff quotas; Commission plans regulatory deep cleaning; GSP trade reform adopted.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Agreement between the European Union and Canada laying down the conditions for the participation of Canadian legal entities and products originating in Canada to procurement under the SAFE Instrument; Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures; Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards the extension of its scope to downstream goods and anti-circumvention measures; Chair’s announcements.
European Commission
Commission imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of pea protein from China
The European Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of high-protein pea protein originating in the People’s Republic of China, following an investigation initiated on 29 August 2025 under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036. The investigation determined that Chinese imports were dumped at rates up to 67.4%, causing material injury to the Union industry. Duties of 40.5% and 67.4% were set for major Chinese exporters. The provisional measures cover a wide range of CN and TARIC codes for pea protein, with the investigation period spanning July 2024 to June 2025. The Commission concluded that dumped imports led to lost sales and unsustainable price pressure for EU producers, with no compelling reasons against imposing duties found at this stage.
Commission adopts temporary State aid framework in response to Middle East crisis
The European Commission adopted the Middle East crisis Temporary State aid Framework (METSAF) on 28 April 2026. The framework, active until 31 December 2026, allows Member States to support sectors highly exposed to energy price shocks, including agriculture, fisheries, transport, and energy-intensive industries. METSAF enables compensation of up to 70% of extra fuel and fertilizer costs and introduces simplified aid for small entities. The framework also temporarily raises aid intensity under the Clean Industrial Deal State aid Framework (CISAF) for electricity costs in eligible industries. Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera stated the measures are temporary and targeted, reflecting lessons learned from previous crises.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into UPM and Sappi proposed joint venture
On 27 April 2026, the Commission opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed joint venture between UPM-Kymmene Corporation and Sappi Limited. The transaction could reduce competition in the European Economic Area for magazine paper, fine paper, specialty paper, and related materials. The Commission cited concerns over reduced capacity, increased prices, and lower quality, with the review period set to conclude by 8 September 2026. The case is registered under M.12270.
Commission proposes plan for simpler, clearer and better enforced EU rules
On 27 April 2026, the European Commission presented a comprehensive strategy to modernise EU lawmaking. The plan includes five pillars: simplicity by design, strengthening better regulation, regulatory deep cleaning in 12 priority areas, addressing regulatory gold-plating, and faster enforcement. President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis outlined measures to improve legislative clarity, stakeholder involvement, and reduce administrative burdens. The initiative responds to commitments in the 2024-2029 Political Guidelines and the 'Accelerate EU' communication.
ec.europa.eu | ec.europa.eu | ec.europa.eu
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU opens new Mercosur tariff quotas as trade agreement provisionally applies
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/996, published on 30 April 2026, amends existing rules to create and manage tariff quotas for imports from Mercosur countries, following the provisional application of the Interim Agreement on Trade (Council Decision (EU) 2026/183). The regulation adjusts quotas for agricultural products such as beef, sugar, milk powder, and ethanol, starting 1 May 2026.
Provisional anti-dumping duty on Chinese pea protein imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/916 of 27 April 2026 imposes a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of high-protein pea protein from China. The duties range from 40.5% to 67.4%, following an investigation under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, covering multiple CN and TARIC codes.
Commission Delegated Regulation amends drug precursor controls to include new synthetic substances
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/314 of 9 February 2026 amends Regulation (EC) No 273/2004 and Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 to add nine precursors of synthetic cathinone and amphetamine to the list of scheduled substances. The changes enter into force 20 days after publication and apply from 18 September 2026.
European Parliament
Parliament adopts chemicals simplification package and ECHA reform
On 29 April 2026, Parliament adopted its position on the 'Omnibus VI' package amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, (EC) No 1223/2009, and (EU) 2019/1009 to simplify classification, labelling, and packaging requirements for chemicals, cosmetics, and fertilising products (COM(2025)0531). Rapporteurs Dimitris Tsiodras (EPP, Greece) and Piotr Müller (ECR, Poland) led the file. Parliament also voted for a stronger European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), introducing annual assessments and new resources.
www.europarl.europa.eu | www.europarl.europa.eu
Parliament endorses renewed EU trade instrument for development
On 28 April 2026, Parliament endorsed the revised Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), extending preferential market access for developing countries. The new regulation adds human rights and environmental conventions as prerequisites, introduces stricter criteria for tariff withdrawal, and establishes rice import safeguards. Rapporteur Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany) emphasised the scheme's development impact.
www.europarl.europa.eu | www.europarl.europa.eu
EU Council
Upcoming Competitiveness Council to address internal market and industry
The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) is scheduled for 28 May 2026. Ministers are expected to discuss ongoing legislative files and competitiveness issues.
EP Committee Work
ENVI committee issues opinion on amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1252
On 29 April 2026, the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI), rapporteur Jacek OzdoBA, adopted its opinion on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The opinion addresses environment and health aspects of the amendment.
International Trade committee report on AI strategy for EU trade
On 27 April 2026, the International Trade Committee (INTA), with rapporteur Brando Benifei, published its report examining the opportunities and challenges posed by a comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy for EU trade.
What We're Reading This Week
- 'It felt like the world was ending': One year after the Iberian blackout, is Portugal more cautious?: A year after the massive blackout, Portugal has stepped up efforts to strengthen its energy grid and emergency response.
- Inside Europe’s Supply Chains: Why Companies Source From The UK: European firms increasingly turn to UK suppliers for reliability, regulatory alignment, and logistical advantages despite Brexit challenges.
