Expectations on trade progress had been low ahead of the one-day summit, with a fight over the EU’s imposition of anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles last year still unresolved. In another tit-for-tat dispute, the two sides have closed their public markets to each other for tenders for medical devices.
Von der Leyen said that leaders in their discussions had focused on market access, where she highlighted the principle of reciprocity and said the two sides had agreed to work on “concrete solutions” on public procurement.
On overcapacity — China’s excess production of subsidized products such as steel, solar panels or batteries — she said Beijing had shown willingness to reduce its export surpluses by boosting domestic consumption. “Without progress it will be very difficult for the European Union to maintain openness,” she said, highlighting the diversion of trade flows from other markets that have closed the door to Chinese exports.
Finally, on export controls, von der Leyen said it was vital to maintain reliable supplies of critical raw materials in which China is the dominant supplier. She acknowledged Beijing’s efforts on fast-tracking deliveries and developing a support mechanism for business that need to access such minerals for their operations.
