The European Union Ambassador to Beijing stated on Friday that China is not doing enough to create a fair business environment for EU companies amid economic disruptions linked to US tariffs.
“We have not been taken seriously regarding trade barriers,” said EU Ambassador Jorge Toledo at an event in Shanghai. “Market access obstacles are not decreasing; they are increasing.”
Toledo expressed concern that not only are competitive conditions in China unfair for EU businesses, but the situation is not improving. “Action needs to be taken,” he added.
Beijing has stated that its relations with Europe provide “valuable stability” following significant tariffs imposed by then-US President Donald Trump on global trading partners, with China facing tariffs up to 245% on certain products.
However, EU countries have a complicated relationship with the world’s second-largest economy. Europe has restricted Chinese investments in sensitive sectors and imposed additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Despite being the EU’s second-largest economic partner after the United States, European companies have long complained about preferential treatment for local businesses in the Chinese market.
A study by the European Chamber of Commerce found that European companies in China face challenges due to a politicised business environment.
The report also found that a “general sense of uncertainty” is prompting three-quarters of European businesses to reassess their ties with China.
