China–EU Trade in 2024: Key Trends You Should Know

China–EU Trade in 2024: Key Trends You Should Know

As a freight forwarder closely following international trade flows, we at GB Intl Freight Agency believe that understanding current import-export trends between China and the European Union (EU) is crucial for logistics planning and strategic sourcing. In this blog, we break down the latest data from Eurostat to help you grasp the big picture of China–EU trade in 2024.

1. Trade Volume: China Is EU’s Largest Supplier

In 2024, China was the third largest partner for EU exports of goods (8.3%) and the largest partner for EU imports of goods (21.3%).

• EU imports from China: €594 billion

• EU exports to China: €435 billion

• Resulting trade deficit: Approximately €159 billion

This ongoing deficit reflects strong European reliance on China manufactured goods.

2. What Products Are Being Traded?

Imports from China to the EU:

• Manufactured goods make up 97% of EU imports from China.

• Key product categories:

• Machinery and transport equipment: 55%

• Other manufactured goods (e.g. furniture, toys, clothing): 34%

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Chemicals: 8%

Top imported item: Telecommunications equipment (including smartphones, routers, etc.)

Exports from EU to China:

• 88% of EU exports to China are also manufactured goods.

• Key product categories:

• Machinery and vehicles: 51%

• Chemicals (e.g. pharmaceuticals): 17%

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Other manufactured goods: 20%

Interestingly, exports of pharmaceutical products and automobiles declined in 2024, reflecting changes in demand and possibly new regulatory or competitive conditions in the Chinese market.

3. Which Countries Lead the Trade?

Top EU Importers from China:

1. Netherlands – €109 billion

2. Germany – €96 billion

3. Italy – €50 billion

Top EU Exporters to China:

1. Germany – €90 billion

2. France – €24 billion

3. Netherlands – €24 billion

Germany stands out as the most active trade partner in both directions.

4. Notable Changes in 2024

• EU exports to China decreased in pharmaceuticals (–€5 billion) and vehicles (–€4.9 billion).

• At the same time, exports of “other machinery” increased by €2.7 billion, indicating a shift in industrial focus.

• EU countries like Czechia depend heavily on imports from China—up to 41.7% of their total imports.

5. Policy & Tariff Context

In response to rising concerns over trade imbalances and market fairness, the EU introduced anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles in July 2024, ranging up to 25%. This move may significantly impact future trade dynamics, especially in the automotive and green energy sectors.

What It Means for Shippers and Traders

Whether you’re exporting from China or importing into the EU, these trends matter:

• Expect higher scrutiny and tariffs on specific product categories like EVs and high-tech machinery.

• For cost-efficient shipping, planning routes through major hubs like Rotterdam, Hamburg, or Marseille remains advantageous.

• As freight forwarders, we recommend monitoring product classifications and origin declarations to avoid compliance delays.

At GB Intl Freight Agency, we’re ready to help you navigate these evolving trade lanes with optimized FCL, LCL, and air freight solutions from China to every major EU port.

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