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EU trade gap with China exceeds three-to-one ratio

The Guardian reports that analysis of Chinese customs data shows the EU's deficit topped €1 billion a day in July.

The short version

  • Analysis of customs data shows the EU imported €3.10 in Chinese goods for every €1 exported to China in July.[The Guardian]
  • The EU's total trade deficit with China reached €234 billion over the first seven months of the year, up €21 billion from the prior year's period.[The Guardian]
  • EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to meet his counterpart in Beijing on October 8 to discuss trade tensions.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • Analysis of Chinese customs data indicates the EU trade deficit with China hit €36.5 billion in July.[The Guardian]
  • For every €1 of goods exported to China in July, the EU imported €3.10 of Chinese goods.[The Guardian]
  • The EU trade deficit with China reached €234 billion across the first seven months of the year, an increase of about €21 billion compared with the same period last year.[The Guardian]
  • EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is set to travel to Beijing on October 8 for trade negotiations.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether upcoming bilateral negotiations in Beijing will result in concrete agreements or policy measures to reduce the trade imbalance.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.