EU and China Set to Review Trade Pact, Target New Sectors for Safeguards

EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič confirmed that Brussels will assess the October 9 pact with China in a January videoconference, then hold in‑person talks in March 2027. The agreement requires China to cut hybrid‑vehicle exports to the EU by almost half—down to 350,000 units in 2027—while lowering tariffs on European auto parts, footwear and easing rare‑earth exports. The review will determine whether the deal delivered all its parts and will guide the next round of negotiations. EU officials say the bloc is now looking at safeguard measures for plastics, and plans to protect chemical and machinery sectors next. A new tool proposed by France and Germany would let Brussels restrict access to the EU market within days for countries that distort the single market. The EU also aims to launch a supplier‑diversification incentive in early December to keep reporting simple for businesses.