China-EU Medical Device Negotiations Stall as PHEV Tariff Talks Continue
nashnova research
China and the EU held talks in Beijing this week on two trade flashpoints — medical device procurement access and PHEV import tariffs. The device talks remain at a deadlock; PHEV discussions have entered intensive negotiations, with both tracks unresolved.
What was on the table?
China's Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji met EU trade chief Ditte Juul Jørgensen in Beijing on Wednesday and Thursday to prepare for a second round of trade talks.
Two issues dominated: medical device government procurement access and EU safeguard measures on Chinese-made PHEVs — the two core disputes in recent China-EU trade friction.
This means → both sides are linking the two issues on a single negotiating table, with leverage flowing between them.
Why are the device talks stuck?
People familiar with the matter say the medical device track remains at a "deadlock" after this week's session.
In plain terms = the EU wants European device makers to access China's government procurement market. China has shown no sign of budging.
This reflects a wide gap on core market-access interests — a near-term breakthrough looks unlikely.
Where do the PHEV tariffs stand?
Unlike the device impasse, the PHEV track is seeing "intensive consultations."
The European Commission is considering launching import safeguard measures — a trade tool that caps import volumes or adds tariffs — on Chinese-made plug-in hybrid vehicles.
This means → the PHEV negotiating window is still open, but if talks break down, the EU may act unilaterally.
What are the two sides saying publicly?
China's Commerce Ministry issued a brief statement confirming the meetings but disclosed no specifics.
The European Commission declined to comment; the Commerce Ministry also did not respond to further press inquiries.
In plain terms = neither side wants to show its hand publicly — a sign that talks are at a sensitive stage where the first to reveal a position loses leverage.
市场有风险，内容仅供研究参考，不构成投资建议。