France Pushes G7 to Address China’s Subsidized Exports Amid Deep Divisions

G7 Summit in Évian Fails to Act on Chinese Subsidized Exports

According to Главком: France has brought the issue of China’s state-subsidized exports to the G7 table, but the summit held in Évian yielded no concrete action due to sharp disagreements between the United States and Europe, compounded by Beijing’s dismissive stance. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing represented his country at the talks but sidestepped any discussion of trade imbalances. Meanwhile, Spain withdrew its support for the French-led initiative aimed at tightening EU trade defenses.

French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to rally G7 nations to confront the challenge of China’s subsidized exports, arguing that fair protective measures are essential. China’s trade surplus-now standing at $1.2 trillion-continues to raise alarms. The European Union’s trade deficit with China hit €360 billion last year and kept growing in the first quarter of 2026. During a visit to Amiens, Macron called for the introduction of tariffs and European preference policies to shield the bloc from Chinese competition.

Global Summit for Growth Convergence Announced

Macron also unveiled a ‘World Summit for Growth Convergence,’ held as a videoconference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joining. The following countries submitted a joint non-paper to the European Commission:

• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Lithuania

However, Spain’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Carlos Cuerpo, confirmed that ‘at this stage, Madrid has not provided any political support for the relevant non-paper.’

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was also present at the negotiations. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stressed the need for continued dialogue in this area. Yet the lack of unity among G7 members and the complexity of dealing with China are making it difficult to find solutions to the problem of subsidized exports.

The G7 discussions on China’s subsidized exports highlight the growing trade tensions between Western nations and China, driven by persistent imbalances. Despite France’s push and support from some allies, differing approaches to the issue are blocking any unified response. This challenge remains critical amid global economic shifts and the competitive pressures facing European countries.

It is essential for the G7 to maintain a dialogue that can produce effective strategies, taking into account the interests of all parties involved.

As discussions around trade imbalances intensify, Macron advocates for a G7 videoconference with China to address these critical issues. This initiative reflects the urgency for a coordinated response among G7 nations, especially in light of the stark divisions revealed in Évian. Such dialogues could pave the way for more effective strategies to manage the challenges posed by China's economic tactics.