France and Germany say they want to draw up a joint roadmap by September to address trade imbalances with China. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the plan alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, signaling a coordinated push from the European Union’s two biggest economies.
The proposed roadmap is aimed at what Macron described as unfair Chinese trade practices. While few details have been outlined so far, the announcement suggests Paris and Berlin want a clearer common position on how Europe should respond to persistent concerns over market distortions and uneven trade conditions.
The move comes as the European Union continues to debate its broader economic relationship with China. EU policymakers have been weighing how to protect European industries and trade interests while managing ties with one of the bloc’s most important commercial partners.
A joint French-German plan could carry significant weight inside the EU, where both countries often help shape policy direction. With a September target now set, attention will turn to what measures the roadmap may include and how it could influence the bloc’s approach to China trade.
