EU takes firmer stance on China’s trade practices as Beijing talks begin

The EU’s trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, is set to meet with China's commerce minister this week to address a trade deficit that exceeds $1 billion a day. | bloomberg

Bloomberg

Oct 8, 2026

The European Union is striking a more assertive approach to China as it heads into two days of negotiations in Beijing aimed at avoiding an economically damaging trade war.

The EU’s trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, is set to meet with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao this week to address a trade deficit that exceeds $1 billion a day. The meeting comes as the EU prepares what are described as safeguard measures that would limit imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles — a move that may be seen as an escalation.

Germany and France this week called on the EU to adopt stronger tools — including an instrument that could cut off China from the bloc’s massive single market — in order to defend European sectors that have fallen prey to surging Chinese imports. But the EU wants to moderate its action to try to avoid retaliation from Beijing.

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