In a significant move, China has lifted some of its import restrictions on German beef, which were previously imposed to prevent the spread of mad cow disease. The General Administration of Customs of China announced that this relaxation applies specifically to deboned beef from cattle under 30 months of age from Germany. The new policy took effect on April 16, 2024, the day of the announcement.
This development came at the conclusion of a three-day visit to China by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during which he announced that China had agreed to open its markets to German apples and facilitate the import of pork. Scholz's visit, which took place from April 14 to 16, marked the first visit by a Western leader to China in 2024 amidst growing calls within Europe for "de-risking" economic ties with China and an increasingly challenging economic situation in Germany.
At a press conference, Scholz revealed that China had agreed to ease restrictions on certain previously limited imports of German beef and apples and to promote pork imports. Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang also signed several bilateral cooperation documents, including those related to automated connected driving.
Observers note that this easing of restrictions signals a shift towards a more pragmatic and positive approach in Sino-German economic and trade relations. Despite maintaining competitive relationships in some sectors, the overall economic and trade landscape between the two countries appears to be stabilizing. Scholz's visit could be the first step towards broader negotiations, potentially encouraging other European nations to follow suit.
Zhu Feng, Executive Dean of the School of International Relations at Nanjing University, commented that the discussions between Chinese and German leaders were both positive and pragmatic, demonstrating that the economic and trade relations between China and Germany remain resilient despite current complex geopolitical challenges. This development suggests that Germany might be moving away from its earlier stance of decoupling and is instead focused on ensuring fair treatment for its businesses in China.
Scholz's visit highlighted the economic interdependence between China and Germany, indicating that the Chinese market's size and potential are crucial for German businesses. With Germany facing internal economic pressures, this engagement with China is seen as a pragmatic step towards revitalizing its economy.
