The EU is planning to announce anti-subsidy investigations against Chinese steelmakers at a summit with the US this month as they further develop a common front against Beijing.Brussels had agreed to join Washington’s efforts to shield industries from cheap competition, two officials with knowledge of the move told the Financial Times. Washington had asked Brussels to move against Chinese steel producers in return for avoiding the reimposition of tariffs on EU steel imposed by president Donald Trump in 2018, the officials said.

The EU had taken retaliatory action with levies on US products such as bourbon whiskey and Harley-Davidson motorbikes but both sides suspended measures in 2021 as they collaborated on a sustainable steel initiative designed to limit Chinese imports.

The EU officials said they understood the need for president Joe Biden to protect steelworker jobs in swing states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio to prevent Trump winning an election rematch next year.