X. affinis is not known to be present in the EU. Large parts of the EU are likely suitable for establishment of the species. The species is not known as a primary pest of healthy plants. X. affinis may cause economic damage on wood logs if it were to become established in the EU. However, the climatic conditions in the EU may generally be unfavourable for infestation of wood logs. Several plant pathogenic fungi have been found associated with X. affinis but its role as a vector in the epidemiology of the diseases caused by these fungi is uncertain.