Trade: Orgalim comments on the EU-China trade relations

China is a key economic partner for Europe’s technology industries, as the second largest export market for our industries and the second largest foreign investment destination after the US. A stronger relationship between the EU and China will create numerous opportunities for European companies. On the other hand, being the second largest exporter worldwide of products in our industries, China can no longer be considered as a developing country. It should abide by its WTO commitments, thus enabling fair competition. The same international trade rules must apply to China as to the EU in order to create a level playing field: this should be in the economic interest of China itself. This is more important than ever given the current COVID-19 crisis and the need for an environment that supports the recovery and long-term global competitiveness of our industries.

Therefore, Orgalim supports a swift conclusion of the negotiations for an EU-China investment agreement, which have been in progress since 2013. This position sets out our recommendations on EU-China trade relations, with requests to both China and the European Union. To read our recommendations in full, please download the document above.