Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic will meet in early June during a World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial meeting in Paris.

The meeting was confirmed by an EU spokesperson.

The specific timing has not been disclosed.

This will be their third meeting this year, following Sefcovic’s visit to Beijing in March and a video call with Wang on April 8.

The meeting comes as US President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for imposing 50% tariffs on EU goods to July 9, after discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

European leaders are also expected to visit Beijing in July for a summit with Chinese officials.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ The growing EU-China trade imbalance shapes their complex relationship

EU-China trade relations show a persistent and expanding imbalance that fundamentally shapes their diplomatic dynamics.

The EU’s trade deficit with China has more than doubled over nearly two decades, growing from €128 billion in 2006 to €292 billion in 2023, representing a structural challenge in the relationship 1.

This imbalance exists despite bilateral trade reaching €739 billion in 2023, with EU exports to China totaling €223.6 billion compared to €515.9 billion in imports from China 1.

European businesses continue to face significant market access barriers in China, with regulatory obstacles estimated to cost EU companies approximately €20 billion annually in lost opportunities 2.

This economic context explains why the EU has increasingly framed China as simultaneously a “partner for cooperation, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival” rather than just a strategic partner 3.

2️⃣ Trump’s tariff threats create a triangular dynamic benefiting China’s diplomatic position

Trump’s threatened 50% tariffs on EU goods are creating a strategic opportunity for China to improve relations with Europe at America’s expense.