French Minister for Foreign Trade, Nicolas Forissier, declared that China would "not win anything" if it pursues trade policies that undermine Europe’s industrial base. His comments, made during an interview with Euronews, come as the European Union considers measures to mitigate the impact of a surplus of cheap imports from China.

Forissier emphasized that the Chinese government must recognize the interconnectedness of trade, explaining that damaging European industry would ultimately harm China's own interests. “The Chinese have to understand that they won't win anything if they destroy the European industry and then the European market, which is an essential market for them,” he stated.

He highlighted a shift in mindset regarding trade, indicating that it's not just about China but also includes other nations that exploit commercial dependencies. Forissier's remarks are timely as the European Commission is expected to hold a debate regarding protective measures against the inflow of low-cost Chinese goods.

Potential strategies discussed include requiring EU companies to diversify their suppliers and potentially imposing tariffs on sectors deemed strategic, such as chemicals. These defensive measures aim to correct pricing discrepancies arising from state subsidies and other aggressive trade practices by China.

As discussions unfold, it’s noteworthy that China has already issued warnings about possible retaliation against the EU's proposed import curbs. France advocates for a balanced approach, prioritizing "frank" dialogue with Beijing while insisting that mutual respect is essential in negotiations.

Forissier's statements are part of a larger conversation among EU leaders, reiterating France's call for targeted interventions to safeguard Europe’s economic interests from competitive pressures. You can catch the full interview with Forissier on Tuesday, 26 May, at 15.15 CET.