The European Union (EU) is reportedly gearing up to launch an investigation into medical device procurement practices in China, as reported by Bloomberg News. The inquiry will focus on whether domestic suppliers are being unfairly favored in the procurement process.
Sources indicate that the investigation could commence this month and aims to initiate discussions with China to promote fair and open market conditions. However, there is a possibility that the EU may implement reciprocal restrictions on Chinese companies seeking access to EU tenders.
China’s procurement practices for medical devices have faced longstanding criticism from both the EU and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR). The latest USTR report on China’s adherence to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules highlights a range of policies that encourage Chinese purchasing authorities to prioritize domestic manufacturers over foreign counterparts. Additionally, the USTR points to the introduction of volume-based procurement (VBP) tendering as a significant issue, as foreign manufacturers often struggle to match the cost reductions achieved by local firms.- Flcube.com
