Publicado · Portugal

China Seeks Public Input on EU Trade Policies Ahead of WTO Review

China's Ministry of Commerce is collecting comments from companies, industry groups, and research institutions on EU trade and investment policies before the WTO's 16th Trade Policy Review of the EU in December 2026. Foreign founders in China can participate by submitting written or electronic feedback by November 15, 2026.

China Opens Consultation on EU Trade Policies for WTO Review

Foreign founders operating a company in China should be aware of a new opportunity to influence how China presents concerns about EU trade and investment policies at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has announced a public consultation to gather input from enterprises, industry associations, and research institutions regarding their concerns and comments on the EU's trade and investment policies. This input will feed into the WTO's 16th Trade Policy Review (TPR) of the EU, scheduled for December 8 and 10, 2026.

According to the WTO's Trade Policy Review Body work schedule, the review will involve a comprehensive examination and assessment by WTO members of the EU's trade and investment policy developments and their impact since 2023. The Chinese government is seeking to understand the specific concerns and demands of Chinese enterprises regarding EU trade and investment policies to better represent their interests during the review.

Why This Matters for Foreign Founders in China

For foreign entrepreneurs who have registered a company in China or are planning to do so, this consultation is relevant because it affects the broader trade environment between China and the EU. If your business engages in trade with the EU, invests in EU markets, or is affected by EU policies, your input can help shape China's position at the WTO review. The review covers all aspects of the EU's trade and investment policies since 2023, including any measures that may impact foreign businesses operating in or trading with the EU.

Participating in this consultation allows you to raise issues that could influence the WTO's assessment of the EU's compliance with its WTO obligations. This is part of the regular WTO trade policy review mechanism, which aims to enhance transparency and adherence to WTO rules. By contributing your views, you can help ensure that the concerns of businesses operating in China are heard at the international level.

How to Submit Your Comments

The Ministry of Commerce's Department of WTO Affairs is accepting written or electronic submissions from interested parties. The deadline for submission is November 15, 2026. All comments, concerns, and questions should be sent to the Department of WTO Affairs before this date.

Submissions can be made via:

• Phone: 010-85093908 or 010-65197341
• Fax: 010-65197762
• Email: [email protected]

When preparing your submission, consider focusing on specific EU trade or investment measures that affect your business operations in China or your trade with the EU. The consultation is open to enterprises, industry associations, and research institutions. While the notice does not specify a required format, it is advisable to clearly state your name, organization, contact information, and a detailed description of your concerns or comments.

Background on the WTO Trade Policy Review

The WTO's Trade Policy Review Mechanism involves periodic reviews of each member's trade policies and practices. The reviews are conducted by the Trade Policy Review Body, which consists of all WTO members. The 16th review of the EU will take place on December 8 and 10, 2026, and will cover the EU's trade and investment policies since 2023. During the review, WTO members will examine the EU's policies and provide feedback, which can lead to recommendations for improvement.

China regularly participates in these reviews of other WTO members to ensure that its trading partners adhere to WTO rules and to protect the interests of Chinese businesses. By collecting input from stakeholders, China aims to present a comprehensive picture of the EU's trade policies and their impact.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

If you are a foreign founder with a company in China and you have concerns about EU trade or investment policies, consider the following steps:

• Review the EU's recent trade and investment measures since 2023 that may affect your business.
• Prepare a concise written submission outlining your concerns, with specific examples where possible.
• Submit your comments to the Department of WTO Affairs via email, fax, or phone before November 15, 2026.
• Keep a record of your submission for your files.

Even if your business is not directly involved in EU trade, understanding these developments can help you anticipate changes in the trade policy landscape that may affect your operations in China. Staying informed about WTO reviews and China's consultations can provide valuable insights for your business strategy.

For assistance with company registration and ongoing compliance in China, foreign founders can reach out to professional services. ChinaMNC offers support in these areas and can be contacted via WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

Call to Action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.