EU-China procurement tensions threaten fragile trade balance

The EU’s first use of its International Procurement Instrument is sending ripples through global supply chains. Targeting Chinese medical device firms, the move has drawn sharp criticism from China’s top business lobby in Europe, warning that the decision could strain already delicate trade ties. For procurement leaders, this is more than a diplomatic flashpoint, it’s a reminder that market access can no longer be taken for granted.

With European leaders set to meet their Chinese counterparts next month, and trade talks looming in Paris, procurement professionals should brace for possible regulatory shifts that could impact supplier relationships and sourcing strategies. As geopolitical pressures mount, procurement will play an increasingly strategic role in navigating market volatility, supplier diversification, and long-term risk.

Read the full article to understand what this could mean for your procurement strategy.