Šefčovič announced that Wang Wentao, China’s trade minister, has accepted an invitation to visit Brussels to discuss the restrictions. This followed a phone conversation between the two that lasted nearly two hours.

“Our discussion lasted almost two hours,” Šefčovič said at a press briefing in Strasbourg.

“And at the conclusion of this discussion, I invited the Chinese authorities to come to Brussels in the coming days to find urgent solutions. Minister Wang Wentao has accepted this invitation.”

Earlier this month, China expanded the list of materials and products requiring export licenses. The new controls mainly affect rare earths and magnets, which are important components in electrification technologies.

Šefčovič noted that EU companies have submitted around 2,000 “priority applications” to Chinese authorities, but only about half have been “properly addressed.”

He added that he had renewed the lists with Wang.

“We have no interest in escalation,” the trade commissioner said.

“However, this situation casts a shadow over our relationship. Therefore, a prompt resolution is essential.”

In its 2026 work programme, the European Commission indicated it will begin stockpiling critical raw materials crucial to sectors ranging from defence to automotive manufacturing, reflecting concerns about supply security.

Sefcovic emphasized that the EU still prefers a negotiated resolution with the U.S. and urged Washington to demonstrate a genuine willingness to work toward a fair and balanced agreement. Speaking before the European Parliament, he reiterated that the EU is facing 25% tariffs on exports of steel, aluminum, and cars, and 10% tariffs on most other goods, which could potentially rise to 20% following the current pause.

He noted that the EU will use the period leading up to July 8 to develop further measures to rebalance trade if discussions fail to produce results, stressing that “all options remain open.” While the EU has temporarily halted its retaliatory measures on steel to support ongoing negotiations, progress has so far been limited. Additionally, Sefcovic warned of potential import surges resulting from global trade being redirected due to the U.S. tariffs. A task force monitoring such trade shifts is expected to deliver its first findings in mid-May.