The European Commission's trade commissioner will visit Beijing in October to meet with China's Minister of Commerce
AFP, Brussels, 17th — An EU spokesperson said that Maros Sefcovic, the European Commission’s executive vice-president responsible for trade, is scheduled to hold crucial talks with China’s Minister of Commerce on October 8 and 9 in Beijing. The two sides are currently in the final stages of negotiations aimed at easing tensions.
The 27-member bloc has expressed deep concern over persistent trade imbalances with China, stating that such disparities are increasingly harming key industries across Europe.
Eurozone member states have tasked the European Commission, the EU’s executive body responsible for trade policy, with resolving disputes through dialogue. The ongoing negotiations are being led by Maros Sefcovic.
The EU is seeking to avoid a costly trade conflict. Olof Gill, an EU spokesperson, said in a statement that Sefcovic held a video conference today with China’s commerce minister.
The two sides reviewed progress made during summer discussions. Gill noted that priority issues include managing Chinese exports to the EU, improving market access for European goods in China, and addressing restrictions on rare earth exports.
China is a major supplier of rare earth elements. Last year, it imposed export controls on these materials, prompting concerns in the EU about potential disruptions to its supply chains.
The EU’s merchandise trade deficit with China is projected to reach approximately €360 billion in 2025, reflecting a significant imbalance where imports from China far exceed exports to China.
Last night, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, warned Beijing that the EU would deploy “all available tools” to achieve greater trade balance with China.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1876617013184524/
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