This episode contains segments on:
- Manufacturing and services purchasing manager’s index (PMI) in March;
- European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič visited Beijing and met with Chamber representatives;
- Chinese president held talks with foreign business CEOs in Beijing; and
- Profits at larger industrial firms in January and February 2025.
Listeners are also invited to join the event ‘Leveraging E-Commerce in China While Protecting Your IP’, taking place on 9th April in Beijing.
Contact:
We’d love to hear your feedback. Contact us at website@europeanchamber.com.cn.
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Read more:
EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič March 2025 official visit in Beijing
The European Commission’s official read-out of the meetings between Commissioner Šefčovič and Chinese officials
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/read_25_923
Chinese President’s meeting with global business leaders
https://www.pekingnology.com/p/full-text-xis-speech-to-global-ceos
China Official PMI, March (NBS)
https://www.stats.gov.cn/sj/zxfb/202503/t20250331_1959176.html
China Industrial Profits, January-February (NBS
https://www.stats.gov.cn/sj/zxfb/202503/t20250327_1959147.html
European Chamber event: Leveraging E-Commerce in China While Protecting Your IP
Transcript:
RUI: Hello and welcome to China ShortCuts,
MARIANN: the European Chamber’s weekly catchup on China’s business landscape.
RUI: This episode was recorded on 2nd April 2025.
(MUSIC)
RUI: Manufacturing and services activity both expanded in China in March, with the growth momentum picking up speed from the previous months.
MARIANN: Data published by the statistics bureau on 31st March showed that the official manufacturing purchasing manager’s index or PMI rose to the highest level recorded in a year, reaching 50.5 points. Readings above 50 points indicate an expansion. A breakdown by company size, however, revealed that it was still only larger manufacturing firms that were able to increase their activity in March, while small-and medium size enterprises continued to report a contraction. Supply and demand both improved, but staffing levels dropped further from the previous month.
The non-manufacturing PMI, which comprises construction and services activity, also rose markedly from February, reaching 50.8 points – a three-month high. This was largely due to a sharp increase in expectations: the 12-month business outlook was the only subindex above the 50-point benchmark. New orders improved but still stayed in contraction territory, while the gauge for sales prices and employment dropped further, due to a sharp fall in construction regarding both metrics.
(MUSIC)
RUI: On 27th March, the European Union’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič arrived in Beijing for a two-day trip – his first official visit to China in this capacity. During his visit, he met high-level representatives of the Chinese government, including Vice Premier He Lifeng, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Minister of Customs Sun Meijun.
MARIANN: On 27th March, European Chamber President Jens Eskelund and a group of Chamber representatives met with Commissioner Šefčovič in Beijing.
At a working lunch, President Eskelund discussed European businesses’ challenges in China, such as market access barriers, supply-demand mismatches, deflationary trends, and China’s growing trade surplus. The Commissioner also met with members of the Chamber’s Advisory Council who presented some of the key issues impacting their respective industries. Commissioner Šefčovič expressed his willingness to foster a more balanced and cooperative trade relationship between the EU and China, with a focus on reciprocity, transparency and mutual benefit.
According to the Commission’s official read-out, Commissioner Šefčovič and Minister Wang agreed to closely follow up on their discussions through regular contact to ensure adequate progress on all discussed files, including the key market access issues. The Commissioner and Minister Sun agreed to set up a working group on agri-food market access.
(MUSIC)
RUI: On 28th March, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with foreign business representatives in Beijing in an attempt to showcase China as an attractive investment destination.
MARIANN: In his address, Xi highlighted the contributions of foreign businesses to China’s economic growth and modernisation, saying that they account for one-third of China’s foreign trade, one-quarter of its industrial value added and one-seventh of its tax revenue, while employing more than 30 million people. He vowed that the country will only open its doors wider to foreign investment including by providing national treatment for foreign businesses and ensuring fair market competition.
(MUSIC)
RUI: According to official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on 27th March, profits at larger industrial firms operating in China shrank in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period a year ago.
MARIANN: Industrial profits dropped 0.3 per cent year-on-year, totalling 911 billion yuan in January-February. A breakdown by the three key industrial sectors of mining, manufacturing and utilities showed that the overall fall was due to a sharp decrease in mining companies’ profits. Conversely, manufacturing companies and utility providers were able to grow their profits compared to the same period last year.
(MUSIC)
RUI: E-commerce platforms in China have become a cornerstone of the economy, driving consumption, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. For European SMEs, cross-border e-commerce offers a popular and lucrative avenue to sell their products in the Chinese market. These platforms not only facilitate trade but also provide a digital infrastructure that supports the growth of businesses of all sizes.
MARIANN: However, e-commerce platforms have also emerged as a critical battleground for intellectual property or IP enforcement. While major Chinese platforms have implemented anti-counterfeiting measures, SMEs often struggle to navigate these systems effectively. Protecting IP rights is essential for maintaining the integrity and value of products, and understanding the regulatory landscape and enforcement mechanisms is crucial for SMEs looking to succeed in the Chinese market.
RUI: Join us on the 9th April in Beijing to gain valuable insights from experts on the key trends shaping e-commerce in China, relevant regulatory developments, and tips for IP protection when doing business through e-commerce platforms.
(MUSIC)
MARIANN: Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to tune in again next week.
RUI: In the meantime, please find useful links in the episode notes.