Chinese economy

Podcast

published: 30.07.2025

Why European firms are rethinking their presence in China

Bruegel Senior Fellow Alicia Garcia-Herrero and Théo Storella explore the shifting strategies of European companies operating in China based on their recent publication 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.

 

In order to listen to the podcasts on this website, visitors will need to accept cookies. This can be done here. Alternatively, visitors can visit the website of the partner responsible for a given podcast and listen to it there.

About the speakers

Alicia Garcia Herrero

Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis, Senior Fellow at Bruegel, Non-resident Senior Follow at the East Asian Institute, Adjunct Professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Economist specialized in monetary and financial issues in emerging markets, banking crises and resolution strategies, financial development