Are US and China Policies Leaving Europe Behind While India Rises as a Trustworthy Economic Partner?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) European economies are facing a slowdown that is nearing stagnation due to a tariff dispute with the United States and the influx of low-cost Chinese imports, according to a recent report. It highlights that India has become a credible alternative center for economic collaboration.
The report from Maldives Insight indicates that the EU's economy is under pressure from a tariff conflict with the US, which has escalated export costs and reduced demand.
Additionally, the rise in inexpensive Chinese imports has exacerbated trade deficits and diminished the competitiveness of EU's domestic sectors.
The influx of affordable Chinese products has negatively affected critical macroeconomic indicators in the EU, such as employment rates, domestic production, and trade balance, the report states.
It criticizes the Chinese export strategy, which relies on overproduction, excess capacity, and price suppression, while also disregarding the principles of free trade.
Germany, Italy, and France, the main drivers of the EU economy, are all exhibiting notably poor growth rates of 0.2%, 0.9%, and 0.7%, respectively, with thousands of German firms filing for insolvency in 2025.
Experts are advocating for stronger economic ties between India and Europe, suggesting that the recently finalized India-EU free trade agreement could unleash significant cross-sector economies of scale and create robust supply chains for both regions.
The ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is envisioned as a network of strategic routes that will foster resilient and diversified supply chains across various geographies, as outlined in the report.
The study also points to a perceived collapse of the rule-based order that global powers have traditionally adhered to, a sentiment echoed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron.
It highlights incidents like the recent pressure on Europe from the US regarding the Greenland issue and the constant threats of imposing high tariffs, calling on European and other major powers to broaden their market bases.