Overview
- In an interview after his state visit, Emmanuel Macron said he told Beijing the EU could adopt U.S.-style measures, including tariffs, if China does not reduce its surplus.
- He cited an EU goods deficit with China of roughly €300 billion in 2024 and warned that European industry faces a “life or death” squeeze as exports are redirected by U.S. protectionism.
- Macron proposed reciprocal steps, including easing EU restrictions on semiconductor equipment exports in exchange for China limiting rare‑earth export curbs.
- He urged greater Chinese direct investment that builds value in Europe while cautioning against predatory behavior by firms with hegemonic aims.
- Any tariff move would require agreement at the EU level through the European Commission, with Germany not fully aligned and no decision announced.