Analysis of international trade statistics shows that different groups of the European Union (EU) member countries reacted differently to a ban on imports of certain types of food products (hereinafter referred to as «sanctioned goods») by Russia in August 2014, which also implies a ban on transit traffic.

Trade continues to be the least problematic aspect of the EU-China economic relationship. The BRI offers potential trade gains for Europe by improving physical connectivity with countries along the route to China, but it also poses challenges for the EU. While Chinese investment in Europe is growing and has focused strongly on technology, it raises the question of whether the EU should fear losing its technological edge, especially when Chinese state-owned companies might distort competition through foreign acquisitions.