Germany and France Join Forces to Draft China Trade Roadmap
Taylor Wilson
Germany and France announced they will produce a joint roadmap on China trade by September, setting the agenda for the EU's October leaders' summit — a €360 billion-plus trade deficit has pushed Europe's two largest economies into rare alignment.
What exactly did they announce?
On July 17, Chancellor Merz and President Macron held a joint press conference in Brühl, Germany. They committed to a shared roadmap on China trade by September.
This means → the roadmap is not final policy — it is a draft position paper for the EU's October leaders' summit. Germany and France align first, then bring the proposal to the table.
In plain terms = before 27 EU members negotiate, the two biggest are locking in a common direction behind closed doors.
How large is the trade gap?
The EU's trade deficit with China now exceeds €360 billion (roughly $412 billion).
Merz said the imbalance "is damaging our industry — and ultimately is not in China's interest either."
This reflects Germany's framing strategy — casting the problem as a lose-lose rather than a one-sided accusation, preserving room for negotiation.
How do the two leaders differ in tone?
Merz emphasized "interdependence" and repeated that he does not seek new conflict with Beijing — but stated clearly that the imbalance must be addressed. His tone was restrained.
Macron was notably sharper, characterizing the situation as an "aggressive" trade war waged by China against Europe.
Macron added the two countries have "never been so aligned" on China. In plain terms = France is pushing the emotional register, Germany is building the framework — but the direction is the same.
Why does Germany's shift matter most?
Bloomberg previously reported that Merz has grown increasingly open to backing a tougher EU stance on China.
This means → Germany is the EU's largest economy and one of its most China-dependent members. Without Germany on board, an EU-wide policy shift is unlikely.
The EU views China's dominant economic position as an "existential threat" and is studying ways to narrow the deficit. Whether Germany and France reach substantive consensus by September will directly shape the policy direction at the October summit.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.