Dutch minister expects no comprehensive EU–China trade deal

Speaking in the Dutch parliament on 8 October, Sjoerdsma said he expected EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to seek measures for one or two sectors instead of a comprehensive deal. Such measures could provide a basis for further talks, the minister said. He was describing what he expected the commissioner to attempt, not announcing an agreement. [1]

Sjoerdsma said the EU wanted better access to China’s market for European companies and fewer Chinese exports. He also identified limits on state support and restraint in China’s use of export controls on critical raw materials as priorities. [1]

If the talks failed to produce an agreement, the EU should not rule out protective measures, Sjoerdsma said. The outcome of the talks was not known when he spoke. [1]