Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Visiting European Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Šefčovič met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao for a discussion that Sefcovic said included a “level playing field” on trade.
China’s commerce ministry described the session as a frank and pragmatic exchange of ideas. Šefčovič noted on X that it was necessary to ensure the EU-China
“relationship is based on a level playing field, in terms of trade flows as well as investment, with symmetrical markets opening”.
Additionally, the Slovak commissioner engaged with China’s economic leader on Friday, marking his first visit to Beijing since his confirmation late last year. Senior officials in Beijing and Europe are seeking areas of agreement amidst ongoing trade disputes, as the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump poses risks to transatlantic relations and global trade.
What are the key concerns in EU-China trade?
In a hearing to the European Parliament’s International Trade and Constitutional Affairs committees last November, Mr. Šefčovič referred to China as the EU’s most challenging trading partner, emphasizing the need to rebalance this relationship.
He informed MEPs that following the implementation of the EU’s duties on electric vehicles from China last week, Commission negotiators are currently engaging in discussions with their Chinese counterparts regarding price commitments.
“The EU is not pursuing trade wars; rather, we aim to rebalance our relationship with China in sectors where we believe the situation is unfair,”
Stated Mr. Šefčovič, referencing issues such as overcapacity, subsidies, and the absence of a level playing field.
We must ensure that the 🇪🇺🇨🇳 relationship is based on a level playing field, in terms of trade flows as well as investment, with symmetrical markets opening.
— Maroš Šefčovič🇪🇺 (@MarosSefcovic) March 28, 2025
With Minister Wang Wentao, an important exchange on how to set our relationship on this new path. pic.twitter.com/06xPFbjKEk
What sectors face trade imbalance between the EU and China?
Although there are trade disputes regarding electric vehicles and dairy products, the EU continues to be China’s largest trading partner, with mechanical appliances and electrical equipment as the top traded goods.
In the last ten years, trade between the EU and China has steadily increased. The EU is still China’s largest trade partner, and China is the EU’s second-largest. Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy lead in importing and exporting goods with China.
Over 50% of the EU’s imports from China consist of mechanical appliances and electrical equipment. Vehicles and aircraft account for under 6%, with organic chemicals at 4.7% and clothing accessories at 4.5%.
