Overview
- After a state visit to China, Emmanuel Macron publicly told Les Echos that Europe could adopt U.S.-style tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing does not act in the coming months to curb its surplus.
- Macron framed the warning around an EU–China goods gap of about €306 billion in 2024 and said key sectors like autos and machine tools are at risk.
- He proposed reciprocal steps that could include easing EU curbs on semiconductor equipment exports in exchange for China limiting rare‑earth restrictions.
- The French leader urged more Chinese direct investment into Europe to help rebalance trade, while cautioning against predatory acquisitions.
- He said he has consulted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, noted that Germany is not yet aligned, and argued that recent U.S. tariffs are pushing more Chinese exports toward Europe.