France’s trade minister, Nicolas Forissier, said the European Union must stop being “naive” about trade with China as Brussels considers new measures against cheap imports.
Speaking to Euronews on Friday, Forissier said EU leaders were changing their approach to countries using trade to gain economic or political influence over Europe.
His comments come ahead of talks next week among officials working under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on possible tariffs and other restrictions on Chinese goods.
Ideas under discussion include forcing EU companies to use several suppliers instead of relying too heavily on one country.
The EU’s trade deficit with China reached €359.3 billion in 2025, nearly 20 per cent higher than the year before.
China has warned it could retaliate if Brussels introduces new trade barriers.
