Faced with the worst economic crisis in decades, the European Union (EU) is losing ground to the growing temptation of protectionism. China, one of its major trading partners, is the main target.

Last week saw a new wave of EU anti-dumping measures against China. In two days, the 27-nation bloc made two separate decisions to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel wire rods and seamless pipes.

These measures are just part of a greater EU trade war against Chinese steel and iron products, which was launched two years ago.