Non-EU countries are a problem. Just protecting local, single market. What’s so wrong with that? Other countries can be protectionists (see US for example)…

I would say “Most people don’t understand” is the general sad state of things…

Not only being responsible for properly importing safe stuff to the EU! Right now everyone buying cheap trinkets (with heavily subsidised China shipping) basically kills any local business… China can afford to do price dumping and local makers or importers have to go through more rigourous procedures (more safety regulations) as well as actually pay import duties and handlig fees…

In the end is basically leveling the playing field to avoid getting our EU business killed (and then China, like any other gracious mafia, would hike up prices)