Why European firms are rethinking their presence in China

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, we explore the shifting strategies of European companies operating in China, as unveiled in a new Bruegel paper co-authored by Alicia García-Herrero, Théo Storella, and Jianwei Xu. Host Yuyun Zhan speaks with Alicia and Théo about the findings, which are based on panel survey data from the European Chamber of Commerce in China.

The discussion dives into the four typologies of firm strategy, doubling down, hedging, hibernating, and exiting. Why are some firms staying despite envisioning less profitability? Why are others hedging their bets by expanding elsewhere? Speakers also also touch on broader macroeconomic challenges such as deflation, overcapacity and declining foreign direct investment in China, with implications for European policy and business resilience.

This conversation was recorded on 25 July 2025, just after the EU-China Summit.

This episode is part of the ZhōngHuá Mundus series of The Sound of Economics. ZhōngHuá Mundus is a newsletter by Bruegel, bringing you monthly analysis of China in the world, as seen from Europe. Sign up now to receive it in your mailbox!