Trade between China and the European Union (EU) has shown a growth trajectory in the first five months of 2025, with total bilateral trade reaching 2.3 trillion yuan (approximately $317 billion).

This represents an increase of 2.9 percent year-on-year, accounting for 12.8 percent of China's overall trade, as reported by the General Administration of Customs.

Exports from China to the EU amounted to 1.57 trillion yuan, reflecting a significant 7.7 percent increase, while imports from the EU decreased by 6.1 percent, totaling 728.33 billion yuan.

Despite challenges in the international market, experts assert that these figures illustrate the resilience and depth of China-EU economic relations, which have developed into a symbiotic partnership over the years.

Experts emphasize that the bilateral economic ties between China and the EU play a crucial role in providing stability amidst increasing global economic uncertainties.

The context of a sluggish global trade environment, exacerbated by geopolitical issues, has necessitated a continued focus on cooperation between the two economies.

According to Cui Hongjian, Director of the Department of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, while there have been specific difficulties in China-EU relations, the customs data indicates a robust resilience in trade.

Zhang Jian, Vice President of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, pointed out that both China and the EU are likely to prioritize their economic engagement, particularly as the EU acknowledges the importance of its relationship with China for its own development.

Recent discussions between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic on June 3 focused on critical issues affecting trade, including the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and China's anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy.

Both parties have urged their teams to expedite preparations for key items on the upcoming China-EU economic agenda.

Negotiations surrounding price commitments for Chinese EVs have entered the final phases, pending further cooperation from both sides.

In the matter of brandy, French companies have submitted applications relating to pricing, and an agreement on core terms has been reached.

China plans to issue a final ruling, pending approval, by July 5.

Cui noted the potential for both sides to enhance traditional areas of collaboration in manufacturing while also venturing into strategic sectors such as smart manufacturing, digital economy, and green transition.

He emphasized that aligning policy goals and managing competition is vital for transforming challenges into opportunities for greater cooperation.

During a meeting with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin, Wang highlighted China's readiness to collaborate with France and the EU to navigate global uncertainties, underscoring the importance of stable China-EU relations as a benchmark for international cooperation.

Experts suggest that through enhanced partnership and multilateral coordination, China and the EU can effectively respond to unilateral actions, particularly those related to trade tariffs imposed by external nations.

Establishing a stable, rules-based framework for cooperation is identified as a crucial long-term strategy to mitigate disruptions from shifting policies.