The meeting of EU trade ministers in Budapest on Friday 18 October had a poor showing, with only two ministers making the trip: France’s Sophie Primas and Luxembourg’s Xavier Bettel. As agreed several months earlier, the European Commission did not send its European Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, to the event either. The Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, did not hold a press conference after the meeting, as is customary.
The Member State representatives discussed European investment policy, EU-ASEAN relations and relations with China.
It was on this last point that the discussions were most sensitive in light of the current trade tensions. Despite this, the Member States agree on the need for the Commission to continue negotiations with Beijing to find an alternative solution to the tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, a source told Agence Europe (see EUROPE 13497/1).
“According to the latest figures, trade between the EU and China reached €740 billion last year. I therefore invite you to discuss the impact that such a decision could have on our very broad relationship”, insisted Péter Szijjártó at the start of the debate.
Although he is not the only minister whose country is reluctant about the idea of imposing tariffs, the approach of the Commission, which insists that its investigation is thorough and accurate, nevertheless seems to be convincing most member countries. The fact that discussions will continue after the taxes are imposed by 30 October seems to reassure the EU27, who fear an escalation of tensions.
Chinese tariffs on European agricultural products such as spirits, pork and dairy products were mentioned by several delegations. However, they have indicated that they have confidence in the Commission’s ability to negotiate a solution, be it a total alternative to tariffs or price agreements with certain Chinese companies. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)