TradeFrance, Germany aim to let UK off localization rules for alignment on China-made carsGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to journalists before European Council meetings on Oct. 15. Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for urgent action to address the EU's trade imbalance. © ReutersOctober 17, 2026 00:19 JSTLONDON -- European leaders called for safeguards and other trade measures for their industries, including chemicals and machinery, as they seek to redress a gaping trade imbalance that has given China dominance over many of their manufacturing sectors.