Exports from the European Union to China fell by 6.5% in 2025 compared to 2024, while imports from China increased by 6.4%, according to new data from Eurostat.
The figures highlight a growing trade imbalance between Brussels and Beijing, with the EU recording a trade deficit of €359.8 billion in goods with China.
In 2025, EU exports to China totaled €199.6 billion, while imports reached €559.4 billion. Despite the annual decline in exports and rise in imports, long-term trends still show strong growth: compared to 2015, exports increased by 37.1% and imports surged by 89%.
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EU exports to China were led by machinery and engineering products, including industrial equipment, electronics, vehicles, and precision instruments.
On the import side, the EU mainly sourced electronics, industrial machinery, chemicals, and vehicles from China, with electronics alone accounting for nearly 30% of total imports.
The data underscores China’s continued role as one of the EU’s largest trading partners, while also reinforcing concerns about Europe’s growing dependence on Chinese industrial and technological goods.
