Key facts
- China has signaled it may reduce its trade surplus with the European Union.
- The EU is considering new trade measures against China.
- Germany has pledged to defend its trade interests.
- China is willing to increase purchases of EU goods.
- Lower tariffs on EU imports were discussed.
China has indicated a willingness to reduce its significant trade surplus with the European Union, a potential shift as Brussels contemplates implementing new trade measures. This development follows a tougher stance signaled by the German government, which has pledged to defend its trade interests. The German government's commitment to protecting its trade relationships suggests a more assertive approach toward China, potentially influencing the EU's overall strategy. The prospect of China reducing its trade surplus could be a response to increasing pressure from the EU, which is evaluating new policies that could impact trade dynamics between the two economic blocs. China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao suggested openness to purchase agreements covering European goods and discussed lower tariffs on EU imports during trade talks with EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic.