What has changed in EU-China relations after the 2024 European elections? EU-China relations play a crucial role in the global business landscape. The current circumstances marked by European elections, geopolitical shifts, economic interdependence, and technological competition contribute to the volatility and frequent adjustments in this relationship. In this blog, we aim to capture key milestones, developments, and stats that shape EU-China ties.
The European Parliament elections, held between June 6 and June 9, 2024, have ushered in a new era for EU-China relations. The election results revealed a significant shift in the political landscape, with centrist parties losing ground to far-right groups like the Identity and Democracy (ID) and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). This political realignment is poised to influence the EU’s approach to China, introducing more varied and potentially conflicting perspectives on policy.
In the aftermath of the 2024 elections, the increased fragmentation within the EU Parliament suggests a more complex and uncertain path to forming a cohesive strategy toward China. So, the Chinese government is closely monitoring the evolving dynamics within the EU.
As the new EU Parliament begins its work, strategic discussions have been underway to address key issues, including the EU’s technological and strategic autonomy. To manage different views and promote collaboration on shared interests with China, new cross-regional working groups were established. These groups are focusing on industries such as finance, energy, artificial intelligence, aviation, and agriculture, aiming to boost resilience and foster dialogue.
EU-China Trade in 2024
According to China trade data, China’s imports from the EU increased in July 2024 as compared to the previous month. Also, China’s exports to the EU rose in the same month. Understand China’s trade with the EU from Jan-Jul 2024 graphically.
| Month | China Imports from EU | China Exports to EU |
| Jan | 23 | 50 |
| Feb | 18 | 39 |
| Mar | 25 | 44 |
| Apr | 25 | 49 |
| May | 24 | 50 |
| Jun | 24 | 52 |
| Jul | 26 | 52 |
*****Value USD Billion
In recent developments, China has reacted to the EU’s potential tariffs on Chinese EVs by launching anti-dumping investigations into European pork imports and more recently EU dairy subsidies. These measures have heightened trade tensions, with Spain being a significant exporter of both pork and dairy products to China.
China’s Top Trading Partners in EU
China import data shows that China imported goods mostly from Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom in the EU region in the first half of 2024. Analyse data in graphics and make the right business decisions.
| Import Country | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul |
| Germany | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| France | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Italy | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Netherlands | 1 | 0.9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| United Kingdom | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
*****Value USD Billion
Access China export data to know which countries in the EU region imported goods the most from China. Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and Italy got the shipments from China in the first half of 2024. See chart to get a clear picture of China’s top export partners in the EU with stats.
| Export Country | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul |
| Germany | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Netherlands | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| United Kingdom | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| France | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Italy | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
*****Value USD Billion
Meanwhile, China has agreed to enter discussions with the EU regarding the imposition of higher tariffs on Chinese EVs. Export Genius will closely monitor the trade relations between China and the EU and keep you updated with the latest China import and export data and EU trade data. Catch all the updates here.
