What products do Chinese companies most often sell to Europe?

Importing goods from China remains a vital part of Europe’s foreign economic relations. China provides a wide range of products at competitive prices, which supports the stability of European supply chains. China has long been the main source of industrial and consumer goods, covering almost all sectors of the economy, including electronics, textiles and renewable energy equipment. The modern import structure shows that European companies increasingly view China as a strategic partner in the supply of technologically complex solutions, as well as a manufacturer of mass-market goods. Several key categories stand out as being among the most profitable and in-demand.

Electronics and smart technologies remain China’s main exports to Europe. Smartphones, laptops, accessories, household appliances, and “smart home” devices are produced in Chinese factories on a scale that is unattainable in other regions. Thanks to a high degree of automation and optimisation of production processes, Chinese electronics offer a combination of quality and competitive pricing. Additional growth is being observed in the wearable devices and household gadgets segment, which focuses on sustainable energy consumption.

The second area of growth is mechanical engineering and industrial equipment. China is a major supplier of machine tools, pumps, generators and construction and production machinery to Europe. Many European companies view Chinese industrial solutions as a means of reducing capital costs while maintaining technical specifications. However, demand is accompanied by the need for product certification in accordance with EU directives, particularly CE, RoHS and REACH.

Imports of renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies are becoming increasingly significant. China is the world’s largest producer of solar panels, inverters, batteries and LED lighting. These products are in high demand in Europe, where governments are actively encouraging the transition to a ‘green’ economy and increased energy efficiency. Supplies of Chinese equipment enable infrastructure and private projects to be implemented at moderate investment cost.

Textiles, clothing and footwear still account for a significant proportion of the trade balance. China provides a stable supply of fashion, sports and workwear items, as well as fabrics and accessories. European importers value the flexibility of Chinese factories and their ability to quickly change their product range and produce to order.

Home goods and furniture also remain a profitable import category. China supplies furniture, decorative elements, lighting fixtures and building materials. At the same time, the designer furniture and interior solutions segment is growing, enabling Chinese manufacturers to compete on quality as well as price.

Toys, sports goods, and leisure accessories continue to occupy a stable share of the European market. Thanks to their high production standards and product certification in accordance with European regulations, Chinese companies remain dominant in this sector.

Automotive components and metal products warrant special mention. The growth of the Chinese automotive industry and the presence of Chinese brands in the European market stimulates the supply of parts, electronics, braking systems, batteries and other components. Metal structures and fasteners are used in construction, mechanical engineering, and the transport industry.

Plastic products and packaging represent another major category of supply, covering the consumer sector (containers, packaging and household items) and the industrial sector (parts for electronics, automotive components and medical equipment).

Finally, health and personal wellness products are showing stable growth, ranging from medical masks and personal protective equipment to home fitness equipment and cosmetic devices. European consumers are increasingly buying such products, and Chinese manufacturers are adapting their range to EU standards.

For European importers, the key factors for successfully working with China are forming reliable partnerships, ensuring quality control and complying fully with all regulatory requirements. Those focused on long-term cooperation integrate Chinese supplies into their own value chains, building a sustainable interaction model based on transparency, control and innovation. Importing from China to Europe in 2025 will not just be a matter of favourable prices. It is a strategic element of economic integration where success depends on combining the competitive advantages of Chinese production with the European Union’s high quality and regulatory standards.

The largest Chinese export companies to the EU

Below is an overview of the most notable Chinese export companies whose products are supplied to the EU. These are leading companies with a global export profile that are also significant for the European market.

BYD Auto

This Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles and batteries has become a key player in the European market. Not only does the company export cars, it also builds logistics specifically for the European market, including maritime ‘ro-ro’ shipping. Given the increasing demand for electric vehicles in Europe and rising tariffs, BYD is a prime example of a Chinese exporter that focuses on the EU.

SAIC Motor (MG Motor)

SAIC Motor is one of the largest Chinese car manufacturers, exporting vehicles under the MG brand and others to Europe.
The company is attracting increasing attention from European regulators regarding subsidies and tariffs, making it an example of a Chinese exporter adapting to the complex conditions in the EU.

Wanhua Chemical Group

Wanhua Chemical Group is a major Chinese producer of polymers, such as MDI and polyurethane, and exports to the European market. In terms of exporting chemical products from China to the EU, this company is an important example.

Xiaomi Corporation

Xiaomi Corporation is a Chinese technology company headquartered in Beijing. It is primarily known for its smartphones, but it also produces a wide range of consumer electronics and “smart” home devices. Its significance lies in the fact that it combines manufacturing and export with the creation of an ecosystem of devices, ranging from smartphones to smart speakers and household appliances.

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar is one of the main Chinese manufacturers of solar panels with significant export potential. The company demonstrates China’s dominance in the solar module segment, which is important for understanding EU supply chains and the role of Chinese manufacturers.

Why are Chinese goods in such high demand in Europe?

Over the past ten years, the European market has experienced rapid growth in imports of Chinese goods, including electronics, household appliances, solar panels, and green energy components. Chinese companies such as Xiaomi, Haier, Midea, JinkoSolar, LONGi, JA Solar, BOE Technology and Galanz have established a strong presence in Europe, overtaking local manufacturers and setting new standards in technology, energy efficiency and pricing. This success is due to a combination of economic, technological and strategic factors that have established China as a leading supplier of industrial and consumer goods to the European Union.

The main competitive advantages of Chinese manufacturers are economies of scale and the vertical integration of production processes. Companies such as BOE Technology and LONGi Green Energy control the entire production cycle, from extracting raw materials to assembling and exporting finished products. This enables them to minimise costs, stabilise prices and ensure consistent quality, even at high capacity utilisation. By contrast, European manufacturers often depend on external suppliers of components and cannot compete with Chinese corporations in terms of production costs.

A second key factor is state support for exports and innovation. In recent years, China’s industrial policy has focused on promoting high-tech industries, including electronics, smart homes, solar energy, and electric vehicles. Subsidies, tax incentives and access to cheap credit enable companies such as JinkoSolar and JA Solar to develop exports to Europe actively. Consequently, Chinese manufacturers have not only taken a dominant position in the global solar panel market (accounting for over 80% of global production), they have also become a defining factor in shaping Europe’s green agenda.

Attention should also be paid to the pricing policy of Chinese brands, which combine affordability with technological sophistication. Products from companies such as Xiaomi, Haier and Midea demonstrate a qualitative transition from the budget segment to mid-range and premium levels. Xiaomi, for instance, has developed an ecosystem of “smart” devices integrated into a single management platform, including smartphones, TVs, air purifiers, vacuum cleaners and security systems. This enables the company to compete not only on price, but also on the level of technological integration, which is particularly valuable to the European consumer who prioritises comfort and energy efficiency.

European buyers are increasingly choosing Chinese brands because of the combination of quality, functionality and innovation they offer. In the household appliances segment, Haier and Midea offer equipment that meets strict EU environmental and energy standards while being significantly cheaper than German or Italian equivalents. In the electronics sector, Xiaomi and BOE focus on European certification standards (CE, RoHS and Energy Star), enabling them to operate legally and on a large scale without facing additional barriers.

Logistics flexibility and the ability to rapidly adapt to market changes also play an important role. Following the pandemic, many European companies experienced supply chain disruptions, whereas Chinese corporations were able to swiftly rebuild production chains by establishing distributed warehouses and assembly sites in Europe. For instance, Haier has opened production facilities in Italy and Romania, JinkoSolar has established logistics hubs in Germany and the Netherlands, and BOE Technology has set up research centres in the Czech Republic and Spain. This approach enables Chinese corporations to mitigate the risks associated with customs and transport restrictions, thereby ensuring an uninterrupted supply to the European market.

Additionally, Chinese manufacturers have accurately identified European trends in sustainable development, energy efficiency, and digitalisation. Products from LONGi, JA Solar and JinkoSolar directly support the implementation of the European Green Deal strategy, which promotes the transition to renewable energy sources. European governments, seeking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, are contributing to the growing demand for solar panels, which are mainly produced in China. Consequently, Chinese companies have become indispensable partners for European energy operators and construction companies implementing large-scale renewable energy projects.

In the household goods and ‘smart home’ segment, Midea, Haier and Galanz focus on design, energy efficiency and digital control. Their devices are adapted to European energy consumption standards (class A++ and above) and are equipped with remote control functions and integration into ‘smart’ home management systems. This fully corresponds to the trend in the European market, where demand for energy-efficient equipment and automation systems is growing year on year.

The marketing transformation of Chinese brands should also not be underestimated. Whereas Chinese goods were mainly associated with low quality in the early 2010s, today such brands as Xiaomi, Haier and LONGi are adopting premium marketing strategies. They are opening flagship showrooms in Berlin, Paris and Milan, cooperating actively with European designers and participating in industry exhibitions such as IFA Berlin, Intersolar Europe and Milan Design Week. This enables them to present themselves as international technology corporations rather than “cheap alternatives” to European brands.

Another important aspect is their ability to respond flexibly to EU regulatory barriers. Despite the increase in anti-dumping investigations and the introduction of import tariffs, Chinese companies continue to invest in localisation by creating subsidiaries in Europe, transferring part of their production and participating in European tenders. Consequently, they are not merely exporting products; they are also becoming part of the European industrial ecosystem.

It is the combination of these factors that explains why Chinese goods, ranging from solar panels to consumer electronics, have become an integral part of the European market. Chinese companies have offered Europe what local manufacturers could not: a balance of innovation, affordability, and speed. They have become an important element of Europe’s technological infrastructure, as well as a catalyst for its energy and digital transitions. The phenomenon of Chinese exports to Europe is essentially the result of systematic state policy, technological progress, and the ability to adapt global products to local expectations, not just a matter of price. While Europe strives for green growth, digitalisation and rational consumption, Chinese companies with their powerful production resources and flexible business model will remain key suppliers and partners for the European market in the years to come.