EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to Visit Beijing for Talks to Avert Trade War

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will travel to Beijing on Thursday, October 8, 2026, for two days of talks with Chinese officials to address trade tensions and avert a trade war. The EU's trade deficit with China has reached a record €1 billion per day, and negotiations since June have made little progress. The EU is preparing new trade defence tools, while China has threatened retaliation. Germany and France have called for stronger measures, including potential market cut-offs. The talks are seen as crucial ahead of an EU leaders' meeting next week.