EU sets October deadline for China trade imbalances after Brussels talks

The European Union has given China until October to deliver 'tangible results' on reducing trade imbalances, following a marathon negotiating session in Brussels. Beijing agreed to establish a 'joint monitoring mechanism of trade flows' using shared data to track import surges that cross into a 'red' zone, triggering rapid political escalation. This marks a shift from China's previous public dismissal of EU complaints about overcapacity and trade gaps. EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič described the talks as 'intensive, focused and constructive', warning that the bloc would take action if no meaningful progress is made by autumn. He noted greater understanding from Chinese counterparts and plans to return to Beijing in the autumn to assess progress.