EU and China open trade talks in Beijing on a deficit of more than a billion euros a day
8 October 2026
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who also handles economic security, is meeting Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Beijing for two-day talks on 8 and 9 October 2026.
The European Commission announced the dates on 18 September after a video call of more than an hour between the two ministers.
The European Union's trade deficit with China exceeds one billion euros, about 1.12 billion US dollars, every day.
The agenda covers the management of Chinese exports to Europe, European firms' access to the Chinese market, and China's export controls on rare earths and other critical minerals.
Brussels wants the round to produce the first concrete outcomes under the EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations framework.
A majority of EU lawmakers backed a non-binding resolution on a tougher trade stance towards Beijing the day before the talks, and China's commerce ministry has warned of a resolute response to new EU restrictions.
In plain words
Rare earths Rare earth elements — A group of seventeen metals used in magnets, electronics and defence equipment.
Trade deficit Trade deficit — The amount by which a country's imports exceed its exports.