Press Release: China now second trade partner of EU25. Trade doubled between 1999 and 2003

One of the most significant features of economic relations between the EU and China over recent years has been the rapid growth of trade. Between 1999 and 2003, EU25 trade with China more than doubled, with exports rising from €19.6 billion to €41.2 bn, and imports growing from €52.4 bn to €105.3 bn. The EU25 deficit in trade with China rose from €32.8 bn in 1999 to €64.2 bn in 2003. In contrast, over the period 1999-2003, total extra-EU25 trade grew by just over a quarter.