EU Agriculture Commissioner Aims to Boost Food Exports to China Amid Trade Uncertainties
During a visit to China this week, EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski expressed his determination to enhance agri-food exports to the world's second-largest economy and shield the food sector from escalating tensions in China-EU trade, as reported by Reuters.
"In the food trade, there are no barriers for Chinese imports," Wojciechowski stated in an interview in Shanghai on Monday, emphasizing his goal to prevent agriculture from bearing the brunt of issues in other sectors.
Wojciechowski's visit, scheduled until Friday, occurs amidst concerns of growing protectionism leading to a potential trade conflict between China and Europe, cautioned Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber in China.
Despite a decline in bilateral trade volumes in 2023, with EU exports to China dropping by 8% and imports falling by 15%, Wojciechowski emphasized the potential for EU exports to China to expand across various agri-food sectors, including poultry, pork, beef, and dairy. He noted the rising demand among China's growing middle class for high-quality food, presenting an opportunity for European food exports to thrive in the Chinese market.
Wojciechowski's visit, scheduled until Friday, occurs amidst concerns of growing protectionism leading to a potential trade conflict between China and Europe, cautioned Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber in China.
In contrast to industries like solar panels or new energy vehicles (NEVs), the EU's agri-food sector maintains an export surplus in its trade with China. Additionally, the open trade of food remains crucial for ensuring global food security, which is why Western sanctions imposed on Russia did not extend to agri-food products, Wojciechowski highlighted.
Despite a decline in bilateral trade volumes in 2023, with EU exports to China dropping by 8% and imports falling by 15%, Wojciechowski emphasized the potential for EU exports to China to expand across various agri-food sectors, including poultry, pork, beef, and dairy. He noted the rising demand among China's growing middle class for high-quality food, presenting an opportunity for European food exports to thrive in the Chinese market.
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