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LSE: The Ballpark | EU-China relations in the Trump era with Noah Barkin

The last two decades have seen significant growth in the relationship between China and the EU. Now, China is the EU’s biggest import and third-largest export partner. But this relationship is becoming increasingly one sided.
The last two decades have seen significant growth in the relationship between China and the EU. Now, China is the EU’s biggest import and third-largest export partner. But this relationship is becoming increasingly one sided.
Monday 8 June 2026 | 34 minutes 3 seconds
Listen on SoundCloudDownload File | 46.79MB

The last two decades have seen significant growth in the relationship between China and the EU. Now, China is the EU’s biggest import and third-largest export partner. But this relationship is becoming increasingly one sided, with China’s industrial policy and economic protections making it increasingly difficult for Europe to sell its products there. And at the same time, there are fears that new high-value manufacturing competition from China could lead to deindustrialization in Europe, with Germany potentially most at risk. These challenges are further complicated by the unpredictability of the United States under the Trump administration and internal divides on China between EU member states.

To discuss these issues in March 2026 the Phelan US Centre spoke to Noah Barkin, a Senior Advisor at the Rhodium Group. His work focuses on Europe-China relations and transatlantic China policy.

This episode was produced by Chris Gilson and Avan Fata.

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