China, EU discuss trade cooperation amid US tariff pressure

China and the European Union have discussed ways to boost economic and trade cooperation in response to new US tariffs, China’s Commerce Ministry said on Thursday. During a video call on Tuesday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic exchanged views on restarting trade relief talks and beginning immediate negotiations on minimum price commitments for electric vehicles (EVs), the ministry said.

The discussion came just before US President Donald Trump’s additional tariffs on Chinese goods took effect. On Wednesday, Trump announced a temporary suspension of the new tariffs on most countries but increased pressure on China, proposing to raise duties on Chinese imports to 125%.

Wang said China is ready to deepen cooperation with the EU in trade, investment, and industry, and called for both sides to uphold the multilateral trading system and promote trade liberalization. The two parties also discussed improving the business environment and addressing trade transfer concerns, while agreeing to maintain dialogue under the WTO framework and support reforms.