EU spends three times more on imports from China than bloc exports there

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-22T12:01:28.948Z • Permanent link

European Union officials have been accused of being ' China's best friend' in the region, following a study that revealed the bloc spent three times more on imports from China than exports there. The data, released in July, showed that the EU's trade deficit with China ran at over €1 billion per day, just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's summit with US President Donald Trump. This staggering figure highlights the growing economic influence of China in the EU, with Brussels struggling to find effective countermeasures.

The study, conducted by a team of economists at the European Commission, analyzed trade data from January to July and found that EU imports from China totalled €13.4 billion per day, while exports to China averaged just €4.4 billion per day. This disparity has significant implications for EU businesses, particularly those in industries such as manufacturing, where China is a major competitor. The European Parliament's Committee on International Trade has already called for a review of EU trade policies with China, citing concerns over intellectual property theft and state-backed subsidies.

Industry insiders say that EU companies are being forced to adapt to the changing trade landscape, with some choosing to establish partnerships with Chinese firms to stay competitive. For example, the German automaker Volkswagen has invested heavily in its Chinese joint venture, FAW-Volkswagen, while the British retailer Tesco has partnered with the Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com to expand its online presence. However, others are more cautious, citing concerns over data security and intellectual property protection.

The EU's trade deficit with China has significant implications for companies operating in the region. Research communities are also concerned about the impact on EU research and development, with China's government offering substantial funding for scientific projects. The EU's Horizon Europe program, for example, has already seen significant investment from Chinese firms, raising questions about the potential for undue influence.

Markets are also feeling the effects of the growing trade deficit, with investors increasingly concerned about the impact on EU economic growth. The European Commission has acknowledged the issue, stating that it will review EU trade policies with China to ensure they are aligned with EU values. However, some experts are warning that the EU may be too slow to act, with China's government already making significant inroads in the region.

The EU's trade deficit with China is part of a broader pattern of economic shift in the region. The bloc's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been slow, with many countries struggling to compete with low-cost producers such as China. The EU's reliance on imports from China has also raised concerns about supply chain resilience, with many companies relying on just-in-time delivery systems that leave them vulnerable to disruptions.