Brief
EU trade chief arrives in Beijing for talks on deficit and rare‑earth curbs
Maros Sefcovic will meet Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to address the EU's daily €1 bn deficit and Chinese limits on critical minerals.
By Felo News Desk · Published
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic arrived in Beijing on Thursday for two‑day talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, focusing on the EU’s daily trade deficit of more than €1 bn and Chinese restrictions on rare‑earth and other critical mineral exports, Al Jazeera reported.
What happened
The talks are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, following months of negotiations over the deficit and curbs on rare‑earth exports. China has also rejected an EU request for voluntary limits on Chinese hybrid‑car exports, prompting the EU to consider a unilateral measure to cap such imports, according to the Financial Times cited by Al Jazeera.
What the reports add
Al Jazeera notes that a majority of EU lawmakers recently backed a more assertive trade stance in a non‑binding resolution. German and French leaders have urged the EU to develop a rapid response tool, comparable to the U.S. Section 301 tariffs, to counter trade aggression. China’s commerce ministry responded by urging France and Germany to avoid protectionist steps.
What was said
China’s commerce ministry said, “We hope that France and Germany, as major economies in the world, will uphold openness, cooperation and free trade,” and warned against “going down the wrong path.” The statement was quoted by Al Jazeera.
How it came about
The talks follow growing EU concerns about a daily €1 bn deficit and Chinese export controls, issues also highlighted in recent Felo coverage of EU‑China hybrid‑car negotiations (see EU trade chief leads talks in China to curb cheap hybrid car imports).
Key facts
- EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic arrived in Beijing for talks on the EU's daily €1 bn trade deficit and rare‑earth export restrictions. (aljazeera.com)
- He will meet Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Thursday and Friday. (aljazeera.com)
- China rejected an EU request for voluntary curbs on Chinese hybrid‑car exports. (aljazeera.com)
- German and French leaders are pushing for a rapid EU response tool similar to U.S. Section 301 tariffs. (aljazeera.com)
- China’s commerce ministry warned France and Germany against protectionist measures. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “EU-China trade talks begin in Beijing amid escalating pressure”
