Industrial Competitiveness

China Issues Regulations on Industrial and Supply Chain Security

China has issued binding Regulations on Industrial and Supply Chain Security, creating a State Council-led framework to manage industrial supply-chain risks and resilience across key sectors from April 2026. For global manufacturers, the rules formalise China’s ability to investigate supply-chain vulnerabilities and take countermeasures against foreign actors, increasing strategic and sanctions-adjacent risk around Chinese operations and critical inputs.

10 Apr 2026, 15:56english.www.gov.cnChina

EU Authorises Catalan State Aid Scheme for Zero-Emission Industrial Technologies (SA.121547)

In March 2026 the European Commission approved a EUR 50 million Catalan state aid scheme (SA.121547) supporting zero‑emission industrial technologies across multiple sectors, including chemical manufacturing, with grants available until the end of 2030. This authorisation strengthens the investment case for large decarbonisation and process‑upgrade projects in Catalonia, signalling continued EU backing for public funding of low‑carbon industrial transformation.

10 Apr 2026, 12:37eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionSpain

Dutch Government Reports to Parliament on EU Environment Council Debates on CO2 Car Norms, ETS and Bioeconomy

EU ministers debated lowering the 2035 vehicle CO2 reduction target to 90% and establishing long-term certainty for the EU ETS and bioeconomy frameworks. This signals a potential shift toward technology-neutral transport decarbonization and upcoming bio-based content mandates for the chemicals and packaging sectors.

9 Apr 2026, 17:42zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlandsEuropean Union

Eight EU Member States Issue Non-Paper Defending Stability of EU Emissions Trading System

Eight EU Member States issued a joint position in April 2026 defending the EU ETS as the cornerstone of climate policy and industrial decarbonization. This signals strong political resistance to weakening carbon price signals, reinforcing that long-term competitiveness will remain tied to aggressive decarbonization and clean technology investment.

9 Apr 2026, 17:41zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlEuropean UnionNetherlands

Greece Announces Modernisation Fund Support Package for Industrial Energy Costs

Greece has launched a multi-year industrial support package including CO2 compensation, a 50% reduction in electricity public-service charges from July 2026, and €700 million in decarbonization funding. This initiative provides significant operational cost relief and investment incentives for energy-intensive sectors, directly supporting long-term competitiveness and decarbonization targets.

9 Apr 2026, 14:28ypen.gov.grGreece

Italy Adopts Decree-Law 3 April 2026 No. 42 On Fuel Excise Cuts And Energy Support For Businesses

Italy has enacted Decree-Law 42/2026, introducing immediate fuel excise reductions and expanded tax credits for decarbonisation and renewable energy investments. Businesses should leverage the short-term fuel cost relief and the increased budget for green transition financing to offset energy volatility and support long-term sustainability projects.

6 Apr 2026, 20:26gazzettaufficiale.itItaly

Netherlands Answers Parliamentary Questions on Tata Steel Maatwerkafspraak

The Dutch government reaffirmed its commitment to a €2 billion decarbonization subsidy for Tata Steel in April 2026, pending EU State Aid approval. This signals a strategic shift toward using bespoke contractual agreements to enforce industrial emission and health standards that surpass existing legislative frameworks.

5 Apr 2026, 19:39open.overheid.nlNetherlands

Netherlands PBL and CPB Publish Outlook on Future Challenges for Dutch Industry

The Dutch government has released a major strategic outlook identifying PFAS, water scarcity, and high energy costs as critical long-term threats to the viability of the Netherlands' chemicals and heavy industry. Businesses should prepare for a shift in Dutch industrial policy that increasingly prioritizes environmental limits and strategic autonomy over traditional growth, signaling tighter future constraints on resource-intensive operations.

5 Apr 2026, 19:02pbl.nlNetherlands

EU Parliament Resolution on China's Critical Raw Materials Export Restrictions Published in Official Journal

The European Parliament has published its resolution condemning China’s export restrictions on critical raw materials, calling for the accelerated implementation of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. Manufacturers should anticipate intensified pressure to de-risk supply chains and potential new mandates for strategic stockpiling or "trusted partner" sourcing for essential minerals.

5 Apr 2026, 05:06eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany: DEHSt Opens 2025 FMS Applications for Carbon-Leakage Compensation and ÖGL Evidence, Announces Planned Investitionsüberschuss Tool

Germany's DEHSt has opened the 2025 application window for carbon-leakage compensation, with a strict statutory submission deadline of June 30, 2026. Eligible businesses must ensure timely submission of both compensation data and ecological countermeasure evidence to secure financial relief and mitigate national carbon pricing costs.

4 Apr 2026, 10:58dehst.deGermany

UK Updates EII Exemption Guidance For 90% Network Charge Compensation

The UK has increased the Network Charging Compensation (NCC) rate for Energy Intensive Industries to 90% effective April 1, 2026. Eligible high-electricity-use manufacturers should update financial forecasts and ensure robust quarterly claim processes to capture these significant operational cost offsets.

4 Apr 2026, 10:56assets.publishing.service.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

US House Introduces Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act of 2026 (H.R. 7936)

The US House introduced H.R. 7936 in March 2026 to accelerate the commercialization of bioindustrial manufacturing and strengthen domestic supply chains for chemicals and energy materials. This proposal signals a shift toward federally supported, open-access infrastructure for scaling biotechnology, offering manufacturers new pathways to transition from fossil-based to bio-based feedstocks.

4 Apr 2026, 10:32govinfo.govUnited States

Oregon Governor Signs HB 4084 Creating Joint Permitting Council And Fast-Track Permitting Programme

Oregon has enacted HB 4084, establishing a Joint Permitting Council to fast-track large-scale industrial and economic development projects. Companies planning significant capital investments in advanced manufacturing or clean tech can leverage coordinated multi-agency approvals and revised tax incentives to accelerate project timelines.

4 Apr 2026, 10:28olis.oregonlegislature.govUnited States

US Commerce Schedules Fourth Sunset Review of Countervailing Duty Order on Carbazole Violet Pigment 23 From India (C-533-839)

The US Department of Commerce will initiate a sunset review in May 2026 to determine whether to extend countervailing duties on Carbazole Violet Pigment 23 from India. Companies should evaluate the risk of continued trade duties on supply chain costs and prepare for the formal participation window to protect market interests.

3 Apr 2026, 18:40federalregister.govUnited States

EU Member States Issue Non-Paper On European Competitiveness Fund Proposal

Ten EU Member States have issued a joint position calling for a streamlined European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) to drive innovation and reduce strategic dependencies through 2034. Businesses should anticipate a shift toward competitive, high-impact funding instruments that prioritize private investment leverage and simplified access for innovative scale-ups and SMEs.

3 Apr 2026, 17:53zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlEuropean UnionAustriaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIrelandLuxembourgNetherlandsSpainSweden

Netherlands Climate Minister Explains Tata Steel Joint Letter of Intent and Planned Emissions Reductions

The Dutch government has clarified the framework for a future legally binding agreement with Tata Steel to transition to green steel production and drastically reduce hazardous emissions by 2045. This signifies a shift toward enforceable "bespoke" industrial decarbonization contracts that link state aid to strict, measurable reductions in CO2 and toxic pollutants.

3 Apr 2026, 09:54zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

European Parliament Publishes Study On Chinese Industrial Overcapacity In Key Green-Tech Sectors

The European Parliament released a strategic study on Chinese industrial overcapacity across the battery, hydrogen, semiconductor, and robotics sectors. Businesses should prepare for increased trade-defense actions and a more protectionist EU industrial policy aimed at securing domestic green-tech supply chains.

2 Apr 2026, 17:46europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

US House Proposes CANS Act of 2026 Requiring Aluminum Recycling Study (H.R. 7992)

The US House has introduced the CANS Act of 2026, proposing a recurring federal study to track aluminum disposal in landfills and scrap exports to foreign entities of concern. This initiative signals a shift toward federal intervention in aluminum circularity, likely preceding future mandates on domestic scrap retention and recycling requirements for the automotive and industrial sectors.

2 Apr 2026, 10:59govinfo.govUnited States

UK Trade Remedies Notice 2026/16 Requires Registration of Imports of Boom Lifts from China

The UK has mandated the registration of boom lift imports from China as of April 1, 2026, pending the outcome of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations. Importers face significant financial risk from potential retroactive duties, necessitating an immediate review of pricing strategies and supply chain contracts.

2 Apr 2026, 10:18gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Czech Chemical Industry Association Outlines Priorities for EU ETS Revision

The Czech Chemical Industry Association (SCHP ČR) has issued a formal position on the EU ETS revision, calling for price stability mechanisms and a slower phase-out of free carbon allowances. These proposals signal industry pressure to protect competitiveness during the transition to CBAM and could influence the final legislative framework for industrial decarbonization costs.

2 Apr 2026, 07:55schp.czCzechiaEuropean Union