LYON (euronews) — For the first time ever, Brussels has imposed customs duties on Chinese companies outside China, in this specific case exporters of fibreglass fabrics used in the whole range of fields, from wind turbines to sports equipment.

In reaction, China expressed indignation at the EU decision, claiming that it violated World Trade Organisation rules. Disputes must be resolved through negotiation, Beijing said.

In doing so, the EU has penalised a practice that China follows to deepen its anchorage in EU markets. Agatha Kratz, associate director at Rhodium Group, comments:

This is a clear message that Brussels is sending, that such kinds of subsidised goods, even if they are not subsidised by their home country, Egypt in that case, but by a third country indirectly, won’t be allowed on the European market.

So that’s a pretty strong case to be made. It’s also a new one and it’s a new approach and a new reading of what Brussels and DG Trade can do.