Von der Leyen warns EU prepared for any decision on China trade by autumn

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that the EU is prepared for any decision regarding trade with China, including potential countermeasures, if negotiations fail to produce tangible results by October. Speaking in Cork, Ireland, she stressed that dialogue with Beijing must yield outcomes, and that "all instruments are on the table" Source: infobae. The warning comes after EU leaders urged the Commission to take a firmer stance on Chinese trade practices.

The dialogue deadline

Brussels and Beijing have set an informal deadline of October to resolve their trade disputes. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Monday, agreeing to establish a mechanism for exchanging trade data and to intensify technical talks Source: infobae. Von der Leyen stated that the EU is ready to act depending on China's response, noting that new trade tools are being considered Source: euronewses.

Areas of friction

Von der Leyen highlighted several issues: Chinese subsidies leading to overcapacity, restrictive market access for European companies, and a trade deficit of approximately €360 billion annually affecting all EU member states Source: infobae. She accused Beijing of unfair practices that "we do not want to see again in our market" Source: euronewses. The EU currently has an Anticoercion Instrument, but it has never been used, prompting work on additional measures to diversify supply chains and ensure solidarity among member states Source: euronewses.

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