Lange hopes for EU-China trade agreement by March 2027
Talks involving European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič indicated progress, but disputes over electric vehicles, rare earths and market access remain.
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee and an S&D MEP, hopes a wide-ranging deal can settle the trade dispute between the EU and China by March 2027.
Recent discussions in China involving European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič showed signs of progress, opening a possible path towards improving strained trade ties. Outstanding points of friction include Chinese electric vehicles, industrial overcapacity, rare earths and access to markets on both sides.
The EU is seeking more reciprocal trading conditions from China. Lange acknowledged the difficulty of negotiating agreements with Beijing, while saying that China honours its commitments once a deal has been reached.
