China Warns France Over Fast-Fashion Law and Sets Terms for EU Talks

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has strongly criticized France's new "anti-ultra-fast fashion" law, warning that Beijing will take necessary measures to protect Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms if Paris continues enforcing what it termed discriminatory trade penalties. At a regular briefing, ministry spokesperson Huang Ling also addressed bilateral trade consultations with the European Union, cautioning against unilateral demands or market-closure threats, while dismissing U.S.-led criticism over "economic imbalances" at the G20 as disguised protectionism.

France's implementation of environmental surcharges targets the core operating model of Chinese cross-border e-commerce exporters such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. Beijing's warning of potential countermeasures signals that disputes over green standards and supply-chain regulation are rapidly becoming a major flashpoint in China-Europe economic relations.

China has sharply criticized France's new legislation targeting ultra-fast fashion, warning that it reserves the right to take necessary countermeasures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, according to statements made by Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson Huang Ling during a regular press briefing. The remarks came in response to inquiries regarding France's "anti-ultra-fast fashion" law, which formally took effect on September 1 and imposes environmental penalty fees on eligible textile products. The measure is expected to directly affect Chinese cross-border e-commerce operators active in France, including Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. Huang stated that Beijing expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the move, describing the fees as discriminatory trade restrictions under the guise of environmental regulation. Huang urged Paris to immediately halt the enforcement of the measure and instead resolve differences over sustainable textile trade through equal dialogue to provide a fair, non-discriminatory market environment for Chinese companies. She warned that if France persists on this path, Beijing will adopt necessary measures, with Paris bearing all resulting consequences. The briefing also covered the broader trajectory of China-European Union economic relations. Following the launch of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism in late June, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji met in Beijing from August 31 to September 2 with Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security. The two sides conducted in-depth, candid, and constructive discussions and directed their respective working teams to carry out several rounds of technical consultations. Huang emphasized that bilateral talks must adhere to the positioning of China and the EU as key, balanced trading partners. Consultations must resolve mutual concerns on an equal footing, she noted, adding that neither party should put forward unilateral demands or resort to threats of closing market access. Addressing recent remarks by the United States at the Group of 20 (G20) concerning "economic imbalances" and industrial "overcapacity," Huang rejected the narrative as an excuse to impose protectionist measures and exert pressure on China. She stressed that such rhetoric disrupts global economic stability and called on multilateral partners to coordinate policy and maintain open, functioning international supply chains.