Manfred Weber urges EU to impose tougher tariffs on China over €359 bn trade deficit

CSU vice‑president and European People's Party group leader Manfred Weber warned that the EU runs a trade deficit of €359 billion with China in 2025 – roughly €1 billion a day – and called for “harder and more decisive” trade measures. He urged the bloc to strengthen tariffs, expand restrictions on Chinese car imports and exclude Chinese firms from the development of 6G technology in Europe.

Weber also criticised the use of EU development funds for a Chinese‑built gas‑bus procurement for Senegal, arguing that European aid should not benefit Chinese companies. The EU is debating new anti‑dumping duties, while Chinese officials have rejected the deficit figures as selective, accusing the EU of protectionism. Potential higher tariffs could create supply gaps in sectors such as rare‑earth minerals.

The discussion reflects a split in EU policy between Weber’s hard‑line stance and German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche’s preference for cooperation and balanced competition.