In 2018, China was the second largest partner for EU exports of goods (11% of total extra-EU exports) and largest for EU imports of goods (20% of total extra-EU imports).
During the period 2008 to 2018, the EU had a trade in goods deficit (meaning larger imports than exports) with China, which varied between €130 billion and €190 billion. In 2018 the trade deficit stood at €185 billion.
The source dataset is accessible here.
For both EU exports and imports of goods with the China, 'machinery and vehicles', 'chemicals' and 'other manufactured goods' dominate. Together these manufactured goods accounted for 84% of EU exports of goods to China and 97% of EU imports of goods from China.
Among the Member States, the Netherlands was the largest importer of goods (€85 billion) from China and Germany was the largest exporter of goods (€94 billion) to China in 2018.
For further information:
- Statistics Explained article China-EU international trade in goods statistics
- Overview of statistics on international trade in goods
To contact us, please visit our User Support page.
For press queries, please contact our Media Support.