Emmanuel Macron on China Trade

Emmanuel Macron's core position on China trade has evolved from early optimism to one centered on strategic autonomy and 'de-risking, not decoupling,' driven by France's doctrine and concerns over China's industrial policies and market barriers. France initially benefited greatly from trade with China, particularly in aerospace and luxury goods, but a growing trade deficit, which reached €2.92 billion between 2022 and 2023, has fueled strategic caution. He now champions tightening safeguards on critical technologies and infrastructure and has supported EU-level actions, such as anti-dumping investigations into subsidized Chinese electric vehicles.

Despite this firmer stance, the President seeks to maintain an open dialogue, framing France as a 'power of balances' independent of the United States. While pushing for reciprocity and a fairer trade environment within the EU framework, he also encourages Chinese firms to invest in France and seeks collaboration in new areas like the green and digital economies. This dual-track approach balances economic protectionism with a desire to continue selective cooperation, though trade disputes, like the one over EU brandy tariffs, show the inherent tensions in the relationship.