China, EU agree to explore tariff cuts, ease trade barriers

Beijing and Brussels have settled on examining lower tariffs on some products, tighten cooperation on export controls and deal with lingering barriers to market entry. The understanding came out of the second session of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism, which convened in the Chinese capital on October 8 and 9. The Express Tribune, citing a joint statement issued Friday, said both parties called the discussions constructive and results-oriented.

Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič chaired the talks. The pair agreed to hold the next round in March 2027 and to stay in contact through a ministerial video call in January. On hybrid vehicles, they reached an understanding after lengthy consultations, while keeping open reviews of price undertakings linked to anti-subsidy cases on Chinese electric cars.

China agreed to accelerate recognition of regional approaches for eligible EU member states based on risk assessments, and the two sides will share disease control methods and explore lifting curbs tied to bluetongue. Beijing also committed to widening imports of European medical devices, with a procurement matching meeting planned at the ninth China International Import Expo. On export controls, both sides pledged more transparency, advance notice before listings, and continued approvals for rare earth and magnet exports through the Green Channel.