Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) urged a reduction of Germany’s growing trade‑balance deficit with China during a visit to Beijing on Wednesday. “We want to continue the success story of cooperation between China and Germany” he said, adding that action is required, including a regulated access to markets.
Merz stressed that competition between companies must be fair, underpinned by transparency, reliability and adherence to jointly set rules. He pointed out that a significant imbalance has existed in the trade balance for roughly the last two years. “The deficit between Germany and China currently exceeds €80 billion and has quadrupled since 2020-over five years- a trend that is unhealthy” he explained. “We are addressing this issue and seeking ways to reduce the deficit at our own expense”.
