Analysis of European Union Trade Relations with China and the United States

May 4, 2026, 12:38
ChinaInternational

Introduction

The European Union is currently dealing with complicated trade disputes with both China and the United States. These conflicts involve import taxes, known as tariffs, and new laws designed to protect European industries.

Main Body

The relationship between the EU and China is becoming more tense. The European Commission has introduced tariffs of up to 35.3% on electric vehicles from China because it believes that Chinese government subsidies create unfair competition. Furthermore, the EU is proposing the 'Made in Europe' law to reduce its dependence on suppliers from outside the union and strengthen its own industry. However, Beijing has criticized these actions, claiming they are discriminatory, especially regarding rules on technology transfer and government contracts. At the same time, the EU is managing a difficult trade situation with the United States. President Donald Trump has claimed that the EU did not follow its trade promises, and as a result, the US government has suggested raising tariffs on European cars and trucks to 25%. The EU disagrees and asserts that it is following the July agreement, which set a maximum tariff of 15% for most exports. While the European Commission wants a stable relationship with the US, it has warned that it will take action if the US breaks the agreement. Possible responses include imposing its own tariffs on American goods or limiting US companies' access to public contracts.

Conclusion

The European Union continues to negotiate with both Washington and Beijing to avoid trade disruptions and protect its own domestic markets.

Learning

🚀 The 'Power-Up' Shift: Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

To move from A2 to B2, you need to stop using simple words like 'says' or 'thinks' and start using Reporting Verbs. In this text, the authors don't just tell us what people said; they tell us the intent behind the words.

🔍 The Analysis

Look at how the text describes the arguments:

  • Beijing has criticized these actions... (Not just "said they are bad")
  • The EU asserts that it is following... (Stronger than "says"; it's a confident statement of fact)
  • The US government has suggested raising tariffs... (An idea or proposal, not a final law)
  • The Commission has warned that it will take action... (A threat of future consequences)

💡 Why this matters for B2

An A2 student says: "The EU says the rules are okay." A B2 student says: "The EU asserts that the rules are being followed."

By changing the verb, you communicate a precise emotion or level of certainty. This is the secret to sounding professional and fluent.

🛠️ Your New Toolkit

Simple Word (A2)B2 UpgradeContext from Article
Says/ClaimsAssertsWhen you are sure you are right.
WarnsWarnsWhen there will be a penalty.
Says it's badCriticizesWhen you disagree with a policy.
Says maybeSuggestsWhen proposing a change.

Vocabulary Learning

disputes (n.)
formal disagreements or arguments between parties, often involving legal or political issues
Example:The trade disputes between the EU and China have been ongoing for months.
tariffs (n.)
a tax imposed on imported goods
Example:Tariffs on electric vehicles from China were increased to 35.3%.
subsidies (n.)
financial aid or support provided by the government to businesses or industries
Example:Chinese government subsidies can give domestic companies an unfair advantage.
competition (n.)
the rivalry between businesses or countries to attract customers or gain advantage
Example:Unfair competition can harm other businesses.
discriminatory (adj.)
unfairly treating someone or something differently because of a characteristic
Example:The EU accused the Chinese policy of being discriminatory.
transfer (n.)
the act of moving or passing something from one place or person to another
Example:Technology transfer requires strict regulations.
contracts (n.)
formal agreements that create legal obligations between parties
Example:The EU is concerned about government contracts being awarded unfairly.
promises (n.)
commitments or assurances to do something in the future
Example:The US claimed the EU did not keep its trade promises.
agreement (n.)
a negotiated and accepted arrangement or settlement between parties
Example:The July agreement set a maximum tariff of 15%.
disruptions (n.)
interruptions or disturbances that stop normal operation
Example:Trade disruptions can hurt domestic markets.
domestic (adj.)
relating to a country's own internal affairs
Example:The EU wants to protect its domestic markets.
negotiate (v.)
to discuss terms with another party to reach a mutual agreement
Example:The EU is negotiating with Beijing to avoid further trade disruptions.
dependence (n.)
reliance on something or someone for support
Example:The EU wants to reduce dependence on outside suppliers.
strengthen (v.)
to make stronger or improve
Example:The EU aims to strengthen its own industry.
criticize (v.)
to point out faults or shortcomings, often in a negative way
Example:Beijing criticized the EU's new tariffs as unfair.