In a sign of a backlash against cheap Chinese imports in the European Union, several countries are pushing for punitive tariffs on Chinese goods.

Highlighting growing sensitivity as economic growth slows, European commissioners from Italy, Germany and France are trying to overrule a decision by Peter Mandelson, the British trade commissioner, not to recommend anti-dumping duties on air compressors from China. They have pressed for a discussion by all 27 commissioners tomorrow.