Economy · Global Economy
Brussels Issues Trade War Warning to Beijing as EU Deficit Soars to Record Highs
The EU has warned China it will deploy aggressive trade defense measures unless Beijing takes immediate action to reduce a record €359.8 billion trade deficit. Ahead of October talks, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič demanded increased purchases of European goods, relaxed market barriers, and fewer controls on critical minerals. If diplomatic efforts fail, Brussels is prepared to deploy over 200 trade tools - including import safeguards and supply-chain diversification rules - though internal EU divisions over potential Chinese retaliation could complicate enforcement.