EU Bans Chinese Medical Device Bidders for Five Years

The European Union is set to restrict Chinese medical device manufacturers from bidding on public procurement contracts over 5 million euros for five years, in the first application of the International Procurement Instrument (IPI). This move follows EU investigations that found Chinese trade practices limited European firms' access to China's procurement market. The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU has strongly criticized the decision, arguing it undermines openness and could escalate trade tensions. Chinese officials noted that European firms have long accessed China's medical device market and warned against rising protectionism. The EU's restrictions coincide with China's ongoing anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy imports, highlighting broader tit-for-tat trade measures. High-level trade talks between the EU and China are scheduled as both sides face escalating economic disputes.