Germany’s Economy Minister Discusses German Companies’ Concerns with China
Key Discussions and Economic Relations Between Germany and China
By Maria Martinez
Minister Reiche’s Visit to China
BERLIN, May 28 (Reuters) - Germany's economy minister said that she had raised the concerns of German companies during her visit to China on Thursday, and that the government in Beijing had said it would address some of them.
Positive Signals from the Chinese Government
"I take this as a very, very positive signal from the Chinese government that it wants to work together in a trusting and constructive way," Katherina Reiche told reporters in Beijing.
Concerns of German Companies
Reiche said she had discussed concerns raised by German firms seeking to invest in China, such as supply chain issues, transparency and localisation requirements.
Germany-China Trade Relations
Trade Volume and Business Presence
According to the German ministry of economy, with trade in goods worth around 250 billion euros ($291.2 billion), China was again Germany's largest trading partner in 2025. Around 5,000 German companies are active in China.
Importance of Stable Relations
"China's economy is so important and so large that it is essential to maintain a stable, trusting and forward-looking relationship with the country - one that is also able to withstand critical issues," Reiche said.
European Union’s Response to Chinese Competition
EU Set to Deploy Quotas and Tariffs Against China
EU SET TO DEPLOY QUOTAS AND TARIFFS AGAINST CHINA
Initiatives by EU Industry Chief Stephane Sejourne
European Union industry chief Stephane Sejourne is pushing for the bloc to deploy import quotas and tariffs "more systematically" to shield European industries from Chinese competition.
Minister Reiche’s Address to Chinese Counterparts
Reiche said she had addressed the issue during her trip and told Chinese counterparts that European companies are concerned because China produces large quantities of goods that cannot be processed domestically and are then exported to Europe.
"We found open ears," the minister said. "[But] from my experience, it takes time before a problem is recognised as such."
(Reporting by Maria Martinez; Editing Chiara Rodriquez)
