Business
EU launches China trade platform as Volkswagen cuts 100,000 jobs
Brussels opens new consultation channel with Beijing while German carmaker slashes workforce, exposing the gap between European unity rhetoric and industrial reality.
Person
Maros Sefcovic
European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, European Commission
What we have reported
- Hosted Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao for talks and launched a new EU-China trade and investment consultation platform.
- Told leaders the EU-China trading relationship requires a reset focused on rebalancing rather than confrontation.
- Reiterated that the EU's digital rules are not discriminatory, not aimed at American companies, and not up for negotiation in trade talks.
Coverage
Europe
EU leaders debate new trade tools to counter China export surge
Brussels summit will test whether France and Germany can agree on sector-specific tariffs and a European version of the US Section 301 tool as the goods deficit with China reaches €360 billion.
World
US demands EU rewrite digital rules in exchange for metals tariff relief
Washington links steel and aluminium concessions to changes in the Digital Markets Act and digital services taxes, while Brussels insists its regulations are non-discriminatory and not negotiable.
World
EU-China summit cut to one day as trade deficit hits €400 billion
Beijing summit reduced from two days after Xi Jinping declined Brussels invitation. Rare earth curbs, EV tariffs and sanctions on Chinese banks dominate agenda.
World
China raises brandy tariffs as Wang Yi tours Europe amid trade and security disputes
Beijing imposes duties of up to 34.9 per cent on EU brandy from 5 July while restricting rare earth exports, as the EU faces a 9 July US tariff deadline and prepares for a strained 50th anniversary summit with China.
Technology
US chip curbs split EU into AI winners and losers
Seventeen member states face caps on advanced processors while ten western neighbours enjoy unrestricted access, exposing the bloc's dependence on American silicon.
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