When the EU and the Chinese mainland first forged diplomatic ties in 1975, trade volume was a modest $2.4 billion. Fast forward 50 years, and that number has exploded to $785.8 billion in 2024, underscoring a resilient, future-focused economic partnership.
Complementary Strengths Drive Growth
This milestone reflects how the Chinese mainland’s manufacturing scale and digital innovation complement Europe’s leadership in high‑value industries. Today, the EU is the second‑largest trading partner of the Chinese mainland, while the Chinese mainland is the EU’s top source of imports and its third‑largest export market. Despite recent geopolitical headwinds, both sides continue to deepen ties through trade, technology and infrastructure connectivity.
Green Investments Shape the Next Chapter
Beyond goods, two‑way direct investment has surged to $260 billion, with a strategic pivot toward sustainability and high tech. European firms are investing in the Chinese mainland’s green transition, from BASF’s $10 billion chemical complex in Guangdong Province in the south of the Chinese mainland to Volkswagen’s electric vehicle partnerships with automakers like XPeng.
Meanwhile, Chinese mainland companies are fueling Europe’s decarbonization drive. Battery giant CATL is building a €7.3 billion plant in Hungary to supply European auto makers, while Zijin Mining helped launch Serbia’s first EV factory in 2023. China has topped investor charts in Hungary and Serbia for consecutive years, with new energy vehicles at the forefront.
As EU–Chinese mainland relations enter a new half‑century, a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and open markets will be key to navigating global uncertainties and driving mutual growth.
Reference(s):
China, EU mark 50 years of ties with robust economic partnership
cgtn.com
