Overview
- In an interview after a state visit to China, Emmanuel Macron said he warned Beijing that Europe could impose U.S.-style duties if the imbalance is not addressed.
- He called the EU goods deficit with China unsustainable, citing 2024 figures of roughly €306 billion after a sharp rise since 2019.
- Macron argued European industry faces a "life or death" squeeze between a highly competitive China and U.S. protectionism that has redirected Chinese exports toward Europe.
- He proposed reciprocal steps such as lifting European curbs on semiconductor equipment exports in exchange for China easing limits on rare earths.
- The French leader urged more Chinese direct investment in Europe with safeguards against predatory deals, while noting Germany is not fully aligned with his approach.