This Week in Manufacturing — Brussels (#18, 2026)
Provisional anti-dumping duties on Chinese chemicals, nonwovens; Parliament and Council agree on Critical Medicines Act; new transport GHG reporting rules adopted; EU Talent Pool regulation published.
May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026
Provisional anti-dumping duties on Chinese chemicals, nonwovens; Parliament and Council agree on Critical Medicines Act; new transport GHG reporting rules adopted; EU Talent Pool regulation published.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission welcomes political agreement on Critical Medicines Act
The European Commission welcomed the political agreement on the Critical Medicines Act (CMA) reached with the Council and the European Parliament on 10 May 2026. The CMA aims to strengthen resilience against medicine shortages by diversifying supply chains, supporting EU-based pharmaceutical manufacturing, and enabling Member State collaboration on access to critical medicines. Key provisions include requirements for procurement procedures to favour EU manufacturing in cases of high dependency on non-EU suppliers, strategic projects to boost EU production capacity, and collaborative procurement mechanisms. Strategic partnerships with international partners are also foreseen. The agreement follows the pharmaceutical reform adopted in December 2025. The CMA awaits formal approval by Parliament and Council.
Commission unconditionally approves Suzano's acquisition of Kimberly-Clark IFP
On 10 May 2026, the Commission unconditionally approved Suzano S.A.'s acquisition of Kimberly-Clark IFP NewCo B.V. under the EU Merger Regulation (Case M.12078). The review found no competition concerns in the EEA, as competing tissue producers would continue to have sufficient access to bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP), and Suzano holds only a moderate market share with credible alternatives available. The investigation concluded that the merged entity would lack both the ability and incentive to restrict competitors’ access to BEKP.
Commission presents updated EU Emissions Trading System benchmarks for consultation
On 10 May 2026, the Commission launched public and Member State consultation on new EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) benchmark values for 2026–2030. The update will determine free allocation levels for industrial installations, with industry to receive on average around 75% of emissions covered. The revised benchmarks retain coverage for indirect emissions from electricity use across 14 product benchmarks, resulting in a €4 billion financial impact. Following consultation, the implementing act is to be adopted by end of June. The update is required under the ETS Directive and will precede a comprehensive EU ETS review due in July 2026.
Questions and answers on the EU Emissions Trading System benchmarks
The Commission published a Q&A on 10 May 2026 detailing the rationale and implications of the proposed update to EU ETS benchmark values for 2026–2030. The update ensures that free allocation rewards efficiency and supports decarbonisation while maintaining competitiveness. The Commission outlined the use of legal flexibility to address industry concerns, the planned review of sector-specific fallback benchmarks by July 2026, and the role of the upcoming ETS investment booster (€30 billion). The update is based on data submitted under the National Implementation Measures process and will provide regulatory certainty for allowance allocation.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1030 on greenhouse gas emissions accounting of transport services
Regulation (EU) 2026/1030, adopted on 29 April 2026 and published on 12 May 2026, sets out harmonised rules for the greenhouse gas emissions accounting of transport services. The regulation requires the use of EN ISO 14083:2023 as the common methodology and establishes a core Union database of default emission values. It applies from 2 December 2030 (CELEX: 32026R1030).
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1063 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of PET Spunbond from China
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1063 of 12 May 2026 imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of certain PET Spunbond nonwovens from China. Dumping margins of up to 50% were identified, with duties set at 45.6%–50% for named exporters. The measure follows a detailed investigation under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 (CELEX: 32026R1063).
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1045 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain alkyl phosphonic acids and their sodium salts from China
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1045 of 12 May 2026 imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of certain alkyl phosphonic acids and their sodium salts (PBTC) from China. The duties, up to 219.4%, address findings of significant market distortions and injury to the Union industry. (CELEX: 32026R1045).
Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 establishing an EU Talent Pool
Regulation (EU) 2026/1047, adopted on 29 April 2026 and published on 12 May 2026, establishes the EU Talent Pool, a Union-wide platform to facilitate recruitment of third-country nationals for shortage occupations in the EU. The regulation sets out governance, data protection, and participation rules. (CELEX: 32026R1047).
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1041 authorising certain national derogations under Directive 2008/68/EC on inland transport of dangerous goods
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1041 of 5 May 2026 authorises several Member States to implement national derogations for the inland transport of dangerous goods under Directive 2008/68/EC. (CELEX: 32026D1041).
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1071 on the EU position regarding amendments to the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1071 of 5 May 2026 sets the EU position for the 59th session of the Committee of Experts for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods of the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail, concerning amendments to Appendix C to the COTIF convention. (CELEX: 32026D1071).
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1070 on the EU position in the CETA Joint Committee regarding active pharmaceutical ingredients
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1070 of 5 May 2026 establishes the EU position in the CETA Joint Committee for the inclusion of active pharmaceutical ingredients as medicinal products or drugs under the protocol on mutual recognition of good manufacturing practices. (CELEX: 32026D1070).
EU Council
Upcoming Foreign Affairs Council (Trade): economic security and WTO follow-up
The Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will convene on 22 May 2026 to discuss economic security in light of the Middle East conflict’s impact on trade, review outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), and assess the state of WTO reform.
Agriculture and Fisheries Council to discuss fertilisers and trade
Agriculture ministers will meet on 26 May 2026 to exchange views on the availability and affordability of fertilisers in the EU and address trade-related agricultural issues.
Upcoming Competitiveness Council meetings: Internal Market/Industry and Research/Space
The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) will meet on 28 May 2026, followed by the Research and Space configuration on 29 May 2026.
www.consilium.europa.eu | www.consilium.europa.eu
EP Committee Work
RECOMMENDATION: Agreement with Canada on procurement under the SAFE Instrument
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), led by rapporteur Borys Budka, issued a recommendation on 12 May 2026 regarding the draft Council decision on the EU-Canada agreement for Canadian participation in procurement under the SAFE Instrument.
DRAFT OPINION: CO2 emission performance standards for light duty vehicles
On 11 May 2026, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), with rapporteur Jens Gieseke, published a draft opinion on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2019/631 concerning CO2 emission standards for new light duty vehicles, vehicle labelling, and repeal of Directive 1999/94/EC.
DRAFT REPORT: European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion (2028–2034)
The Committee on Budgets (BUDG) released a draft report on 11 May 2026 on the proposed regulation for the European Fund covering cohesion, agriculture, rural, fisheries, maritime, prosperity, and security for 2028–2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. Rapporteur: Andrey Novakov.
What We're Reading This Week
- Europe's chemical makers catch a break as Iran war hits Asian rivals: European chemical producers gain competitive edge as Middle Eastern conflict disrupts supply chains for Asian competitors.
- China warns UK over nationalisation of British Steel: China cautions that UK plans to nationalise British Steel could harm bilateral trade and investment relations.
- China's factory inflation hits 45-month high on energy price shock: Rising energy costs drive Chinese factory-gate prices to their fastest increase since 2020, signaling mounting inflationary pressures.
- New EU medicines law aims to bypass India, China on key drugs: EU introduces legislation to reduce reliance on India and China for essential medicines, seeking to bolster pharmaceutical supply security.
