Macron is backing a 75% local content rule for EVs sold in Europe as Brussels reviews its 2035 ICE ban. By Stewart Burnett
During a state visit aimed at easing trade tensions with China, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to champion protectionist measures that would require electric vehicles (EVs) sold in Europe to contain at least 75% locally sourced components. Macron told reporters in Chengdu that Paris supports “a European preference because we must protect our European production base”, while calling for greater technological flexibility in meeting the bloc’s 2035 targets.
France’s finance ministry confirmed the 75% threshold would match current content levels for vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE). The proposal forms part of French demands submitted to Brussels; the European Commission is currently reviewing the bloc’s decarbonisation strategy, with ministers warning that failure to support local manufacturing risks “significant” job losses and eroding public support for the green transition. At the same time, backtracking on EV transition goals could cost the bloc any remaining edge it has over China.
The push comes as European automakers face mounting pressure from Chinese competition in the EV market. Chinese automakers have steadily expanded their local market share over the last year; across September and October 2025 they accounted for between 7.5-8% of the car market including ICE. The same time a year ago, the number sat at 6.8%; five years ago the number was closer to 5%.
France’s broader trade balance with China also continues to widen, with Paris importing €45bn (US$52bn) worth of Chinese goods annually while exporting only €35bn, according to Chinese customs data. The EU’s overall goods trade deficit with China has expanded by nearly 60% since 2019.
Macron’s intervention is the latest sign of growing tensions between EU member states over how to balance climate commitments with industrial protection. Germany and Italy have pushed hard for the bloc to water down the 2035 ban; in October German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to oppose it, demanding allowances for plug-in hybrids and range extenders beyond the deadline. France had previously sided with Spain in defending the original targets before shifting its position amid domestic pressure over potential factory closures.
Industry leaders had hoped to secure more flexible emissions rules at a Brussels meeting scheduled for 10 December, but EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas indicated potential delays as officials continue working on the relief package. Meanwhile, Beijing has maintained minimum pricing requirements on French brandy and duties on EU pork shipments as leverage in negotiations over European tariffs on Chinese EVs.