‘Tough’ talks with China have yet to deliver, EU trade chief says
Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič tells POLITICO that “our Chinese partners understood” that a deal is urgently needed to preserve Europe's social fabric and “literally thousands of jobs.”
Milwaukee, Wisconsin — EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič described ongoing China-EU trade talks as "constructive, but tough," after months without a breakthrough. During an interview at a G20 trade ministers meeting, Šefčovič acknowledged high political pressure on him to close the deal. The EU commissioner plans to attend a "super crucial meeting" with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on October 8, aiming to present results at a Brussels summit on October 15-16.
Should talks fail, Brussels may restrict Chinese market access to protect EU manufacturers from a flood of Chinese imports. The trade deficit between the EU and China stands at €1 billion per day, driving negotiations. Key issues include sudden export surges, boosting European goods exports to China, and long-term clarity on China's raw material export curbs, particularly rare earth elements. Šefčovič believes the Chinese understand Europe's concerns, but noted that some topics have been difficult to address in the past.
The negotiations are divided into four work streams: trade and investment balancing; export controls; intellectual property rights; and reform of the World Trade Organization. The EU will present its findings to leaders in Brussels, who will then decide on the outcome. France's President Emmanuel Macron criticized China for unfair subsidies and called for more EU safeguards. China has threatened retaliation if EU trade defenses are tightened.
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