EU warns: If no substantial progress is made by mid-October, it will consider "closing the market" to China
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EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has publicly stated many times recently that if China fails to produce "tangible results" on China-EU trade issues by mid-October, the EU will consider "closing the market" to China by restricting imports, adjusting quotas and tariffs.
China-EU trade negotiations enter a critical window period
According to relevant reports, Sevcovic is expected to hold a video conference with China in mid-September and visit China in early October. From October 15th to 16th, the EU will hold a European Council meeting, at which time China-EU trade relations may become one of the important topics.
The EU focuses on three aspects: first, the growth of Chinese exports of textiles, chemicals, plastics, machinery, batteries and new energy vehicles to Europe; second, improving the conditions for EU companies to enter the Chinese market and expanding the market share of European products and companies in China; third, improving the transparency of China's exports of key supplies such as rare earths and traditional chips to ensure stable supply for the European industrial chain.
Sefcovic said that it is impossible for the EU to completely resolve the huge trade imbalance through a single visit to China, but negotiations must start with concrete actions.
EU trade defense tools continue to increase
Relevant data shows that the EU's trade deficit with China will reach 360.6 billion euros in 2025, a year-on-year increase of about 15%. In the first half of 2026, the EU's trade deficit with China further expanded by about 9%.
In terms of trade defense, the EU has imposed countervailing duties of 7.8% to 35.3% on China's pure electric vehicles, and will reduce the overall tariff-free import quota for steel by approximately 47% starting from July 2026, and a 50% tariff will apply to parts exceeding the quota. On September 10, Reuters reported that France, Italy and possibly Germany are pushing the EU to adopt safeguard measures on the import of chemicals and plastics. Related products may involve polyethylene terephthalate, epoxy resin and glass fiber. Potential measures include quotas and tariffs.
Ministry of Commerce’s response: We should not threaten to “close the market” at every turn
In response to Sevcovich's statement, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Huang Ling recently made a clear response. Huang Ling said that China has paid attention to the relevant remarks of Commissioner Sevcovich. Properly resolving each other's concerns through dialogue and consultation is an important consensus reached by the leaders of China and Europe. In recent years, China has been committed to implementing the spirit of the consensus reached by leaders of both sides, strengthening dialogue and communication with the EU in the economic and trade field, and working hard to manage frictions and differences.
Huang Ling emphasized: "China-EU consultations at all levels should adhere to the stable and balanced positioning of China-EU key trade partnerships, insist on resolving each other's concerns on an equal footing, and cannot unilaterally raise prices, negotiate conditions, or even threaten to close the market." China has repeatedly reiterated that the EU should face up to the problems it faces. China is not the source of these problems, but can be a partner to help the EU solve problems. There is no way out for protectionism, and win-win cooperation is the right path.
