A group of Members of the European Parliament is traveling to Beijing and Shanghai for talks with authorities and companies. For many years, there have been tensions between the two economic blocs regarding trade, including the large volume of imported Chinese electric cars.
The renewed visit does not mean that all tensions have disappeared. Concerns remain about various political and economic issues between both sides. However, resuming contact is seen as an opportunity to discuss problems directly and gain better insight into each other’s position.
After the US President Trump began imposing various new tariffs on imports of European products last year, EU countries have been working to better diversify their trade activities across the rest of the world. As a result, they have recently concluded new trade agreements with Australia, India, and South America.
Promotion
More independent
Because EU countries want to be less dependent on imports for their own economies, they are also working to strengthen the position of their own businesses. By cooperating more with European companies, they hope to reduce dependence on Chinese or American products.
The European delegation wants to discuss, among other things, the rapid growth of online trade between China and Europe. Emphasis is placed on the quality of Chinese products entering the European market. Not all Chinese products meet European environmental and sustainability criteria.
An important point is that European product safety regulations must be complied with. There is concern that goods sold through online platforms and delivered directly to European customers do not always meet these standards.
Millions of postal parcels
The large number of parcels arriving daily into Europe also plays a role. This flow makes it difficult for customs authorities to thoroughly check everything upon arrival. The EU would like Chinese webshops to use their own distribution centers within the EU.
Meanwhile, Europe is working on measures to better regulate the influx of millions of Chinese postal parcels. This includes considering extra duties, stricter controls, and potential fines for violations. The EU has already decided to impose an additional import duty of two euros per postal parcel.
The delegation wants to discuss the rapid growth of online trade between China and Europe. Emphasis is placed on how products reach the European market and under what conditions. The talks also cover companies operating in the European market.