Opportunities for European Business in China’s Evolving Sustainability Market 欧洲企业在中国不断发展的可持续发展市场中的机遇
Introduction
As the world accelerates its transition to a low-carbon economy, the European Union (EU) and China stand as two of the most influential players in shaping global sustainability efforts. Both regions are advancing ambitious environmental policies—China through its carbon neutrality commitment by 2060 and Europe through the Green Deal and the several other policies, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
This newsletter explores the key opportunities for European businesses in Chinese markets, outlines specific proposals to facilitate cooperation, and highlights how China Europe Carbon Neutral (CNEUCN) can support companies in overcoming challenges and successfully entering new markets.
引言
随着世界加速向低碳经济转型，欧盟（EU）和中国成为塑造全球可持续发展努力的两个最具影响力的参与者。两个地区都在推进雄心勃勃的环境政策 —— 中国承诺到 2060 年实现碳中和，欧洲则通过《绿色协议》以及包括碳边境调节机制（CBAM）在内的其他多项政策来推动。
本次新闻推送探讨了欧洲企业在中国市场的关键机遇，概述了促进合作的具体建议，并强调了仲欧脱碳科技有限公司（CNEUCN）如何支持企业克服挑战并成功进入新市场。
背景介绍
China’s dedication to green development is further underscored by the forthcoming 2025 tariff adjustments. These changes reflect a strategic shift in market dynamics, benefiting European companies that specialize in advanced materials and clean technologies for the building sector. For example, reduced tariffs on low-carbon concrete—a material that significantly lowers embodied carbon compared to traditional concrete—create immediate opportunities for market entry. Similarly, tariffs will be decreased for high-performance insulation materials and AI-driven smart HVAC systems, encouraging their import and adoption in China’s expanding green building sector.
These tariff adjustments, aligned with China’s carbon reduction goals, foster a more favourable market for European green building innovations. At the same time, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduces an additional dimension to this evolving landscape. CBAM compels Chinese exporters to lower their carbon footprint to remain competitive in the European market. In response, China’s 2025 green tariffs act as a strategic initiative to promote domestic green production and mitigate the potential impact of CBAM.
In addition, China is broadening its national carbon trading system to further curb domestic emissions. The interaction between these policies highlights the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration to prevent trade frictions while supporting the global shift toward a low-carbon economy. Notably, CBAM is also accelerating demand for enhanced ESG reporting among Chinese manufacturers.
背景
中国对绿色发展的承诺在即将到来的 2025 年关税调整中得到进一步凸显。这些变化反映了市场动态的战略转变，有利于专门从事建筑领域先进材料和清洁技术的欧洲公司。例如，低碳混凝土（一种与传统混凝土相比能显著降低隐含碳的材料）关税的降低，为进入市场创造了直接机遇。同样，高性能绝缘材料和人工智能驱动的智能暖通空调系统的关税也将下调，这将鼓励这些产品在中国不断扩大的绿色建筑领域的进口和应用。
这些与中国碳减排目标相一致的关税调整，为欧洲绿色建筑创新营造了更有利的市场环境。与此同时，欧盟的碳边境调节机制（CBAM）为这一不断演变的格局增添了新的维度。CBAM 迫使中国出口商降低碳足迹，以保持在欧洲市场的竞争力。作为回应，中国 2025 年的绿色关税是一项战略举措，旨在促进国内绿色生产并减轻 CBAM 的潜在影响。
此外，中国正在扩大其全国碳交易体系，以进一步遏制国内排放。这些政策之间的相互作用凸显了持续对话与合作的必要性，以防止贸易摩擦，同时支持全球向低碳经济的转型。值得注意的是，CBAM 也在加速中国制造商对强化 ESG 报告的需求。
Challenges in China-Europe Green Cooperation and How to Overcome Them
The opportunities are substantial, challenges remain in aligning regulatory standards, ensuring fair competition, and managing geopolitical uncertainties.
However, unlocking the full potential of this transition requires strong industry cooperation, alignment of standards, and business-driven innovation. European companies have expertise in decarbonization technologies, carbon footprint management, and sustainable industrial practices, while China is a global leader in clean energy investment, electric vehicles, and supply chain transformation. The challenge now is to bridge the gaps, create mutual opportunities, and develop tangible frameworks for collaboration.
– Balancing competition and collaboration are crucial for innovation and sustainable growth. Clear, fair competition rules and policies that support technological advancements and environmental improvements are essential for businesses to thrive. Instead of trade barriers, incentives should drive green transition efforts.
– Effective coordination on carbon footprint methodologies, data, and regulations between China and the EU is key to overcoming inefficiencies. Open dialogue among businesses, experts, and regulators can align standards, ensuring mutual recognition and improving trade efficiency while fostering long-term cooperation.
– Jointly developing forward-looking frameworks and scalable innovations will enable sustainable collaboration. Companies should work together on emerging technologies, carbon credit systems, and low-carbon certifications to integrate sustainability into supply chains. Investing in these next-generation frameworks today will lay the foundation for global green supply networks and future market advantages.
中欧绿色合作面临的挑战及应对方法
尽管机遇巨大，但在协调监管标准、确保公平竞争和应对地缘政治不确定性方面仍存在挑战。
然而，要充分挖掘这一转型的潜力，需要强有力的行业合作、标准的协调以及以商业为驱动的创新。欧洲公司在脱碳技术、碳足迹管理和可持续工业实践方面拥有专业知识，而中国在清洁能源投资、电动汽车和供应链转型方面处于全球领先地位。目前的挑战是弥合差距、创造互利机会，并制定切实可行的合作框架。
– 平衡竞争与合作对于创新和可持续增长至关重要。清晰、公平的竞争规则以及支持技术进步和环境改善的政策，是企业蓬勃发展的关键。推动绿色转型的应该是激励措施，而不是贸易壁垒。
– 中欧之间在碳足迹方法，数据和法规方面的有效协调是克服效率低下问题的关键。企业、专家和监管机构之间的公开对话可以协调标准，确保相互认可，提高贸易效率，同时促进长期合作。
– 共同开发具有前瞻性的框架和可扩展的创新将实现可持续合作。企业应在新兴技术、碳信用体系和低碳认证方面共同努力，将可持续性融入供应链。如今对这些下一代框架的投资将为全球绿色供应网络和未来的市场优势奠定基础。
Opportunities for European Companies in China
China’s green development strategy presents substantial prospects for European businesses. By staying informed about regulatory changes, leveraging available incentives, and implementing best practices in sustainability, companies can successfully navigate the Chinese market and play a key role in the transition to a greener future. This shift is not solely about environmental responsibility—it is also unlocking a vast and rapidly expanding market for sustainable solutions.
China’s push for green development presents vast opportunities for European businesses specializing in these activities:
– Carbon footprint management
China is increasingly focusing on carbon tracking and disclosure, and European companies with experience in carbon accounting, lifecycle assessments, and sustainable supply chain management can offer valuable solutions. The newly established Carbon Footprint Industry Alliance (CFIA) led by Tsinghua University is an important initiative seeking global partnerships. This alliance starts together with 64 leading universities, research institutions, and companies to collaborate on shared goals. CFIA has also developed an open-source database called TianGong, which is now the third-largest database globally. CFIA is now promoting TianGong from a database to a platform, providing data and methodologies to foster collaboration. TianGong is open to working with global partners, including those in the EU, to align and strengthen our shared efforts.
– Renewable energy and storage technologies
With China investing heavily in wind, solar, and hydrogen, European firms developing advanced energy storage, smart grids, and hydrogen infrastructure can benefit from collaboration with Chinese partners.
– Sustainable manufacturing solutions
As China works to green its supply chains, there is growing demand for European expertise in energy-efficient industrial processes, circular economy solutions, and green building materials.
– Environmental consulting and certification services
The tightening of sustainability regulations in China, including ESG requirements for listed companies, opens a market for European firms providing carbon certification, sustainability consulting, and green finance advisory.
Meanwhile, to support the development of green energy and eco-friendly innovations, the Chinese government has introduced various incentives, including:
– Tax reductions and exemptions
Companies investing in approved renewable energy projects in designated economic zones may benefit from corporate income tax reductions of up to 15%.
– Subsidies and grants
Financial support is available for initiatives that advance environmental sustainability, with substantial funding allocated to solar and wind energy projects.
– Local government programs
Many regional authorities provide incentives such as preferential land-use policies and financial assistance to encourage green investments.
These measures significantly lower the financial burden of adopting sustainable technologies, making China an increasingly attractive market for European enterprises seeking to expand in the green sector.
欧洲企业在中国的机遇
中国的绿色发展战略为欧洲企业带来了巨大的前景。通过及时了解监管变化、利用现有激励措施并实施可持续发展的最佳实践，企业可以成功开拓中国市场，并在向更绿色未来的转型中发挥关键作用。这种转变不仅关乎环境责任，还为可持续解决方案开启了一个庞大且迅速扩张的市场。
中国推动绿色发展为专注于以下领域的欧洲企业提供了广阔机遇：
– 碳足迹管理
中国越来越关注碳追踪和披露，在碳核算、生命周期评估和可持续供应链管理方面有经验的欧洲公司可以提供有价值的解决方案。由清华大学牵头新成立的碳足迹产业联盟（CFIA）是一项重要举措，旨在寻求全球合作伙伴关系。该联盟由 64 所顶尖大学、研究机构和公司共同发起，为共同目标展开合作。CFIA 还开发了一个名为 “天宫” 的开源数据库，目前是全球第三大数据库。CFIA 现在正将 “天宫” 从数据库升级为平台，提供数据和方法以促进合作。“天宫” 向包括欧盟在内的全球合作伙伴开放，以协调并加强共同努力。
– 可再生能源和储能技术
随着中国在风能、太阳能和氢能方面的大量投资，开发先进储能、智能电网和氢能基础设施的欧洲公司可以从与中国合作伙伴的合作中受益。
– 可持续制造解决方案
随着中国努力实现供应链绿色化，对欧洲在节能工业流程、循环经济解决方案和绿色建筑材料方面的专业知识需求日益增长。
– 环境咨询和认证服务
中国可持续性法规的收紧，包括对上市公司的 ESG 要求，为提供碳认证、可持续性咨询和绿色金融咨询的欧洲公司打开了市场。
与此同时，为了支持绿色能源和环保创新的发展，中国政府出台了各种激励措施，包括：
– 税收减免
在指定经济区投资经批准的可再生能源项目的公司，可能享受最高 15% 的企业所得税减免。
– 补贴和赠款
为推进环境可持续性的项目提供财政支持，大量资金被分配给太阳能和风能项目。
– 地方政府项目
许多地方政府提供优惠土地使用政策和财政援助等激励措施，以鼓励绿色投资。
这些措施大大减轻了采用可持续技术的财务负担，使中国成为寻求在绿色领域扩张的欧洲企业越来越有吸引力的市场。
How to Turn These Opportunities into Concrete Action?
– Strategic Partnerships for Carbon Footprint Management
– European companies can collaborate with CFIA’s TianGong open-source platform to align carbon accounting methodologies and enhance mutual recognition of carbon data.
– Joint research projects between Chinese and European universities, research centers, and businesses can further develop internationally recognized carbon footprint standards.
– Joint Ventures in Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Technologies
– European firms with expertise in hydrogen energy, offshore wind, and energy storage can establish joint ventures with Chinese companies to co-develop projects within China’s expanding renewable energy market.
– Collaboration on smart grid infrastructure and digital energy management will enable better integration of renewables into the power system.
– Cooperation in Green Supply Chains and Sustainable Manufacturing
– European businesses should work with Chinese manufacturers to implement decarbonization strategies, including carbon footprint tracking, energy efficiency upgrades, and circular economy practices.
– A certification system recognizing low-carbon supply chains in both China and the EU can help companies comply with CBAM requirements while enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.
如何将这些机遇转化为具体行动？
– 碳足迹管理的战略合作伙伴关系
– 欧洲公司可以与 CFIA 的 “天宫” 开源平台合作，协调碳核算方法，增强对碳数据的相互认可。
– 中欧的大学、研究中心和企业之间的联合研究项目可以进一步开发国际认可的碳足迹标准。
– 可再生能源和智能电网技术的合资企业
– 在氢能、海上风能和储能方面拥有专业知识的欧洲公司可以与中国公司成立合资企业，在中国不断扩大的可再生能源市场内共同开发项目。
– 在智能电网基础设施和数字能源管理方面的合作将有助于更好地将可再生能源整合到电力系统中。
– 绿色供应链和可持续制造方面的合作
– 欧洲企业应与中国制造商合作实施脱碳战略，包括碳足迹追踪、能源效率升级和循环经济实践。
– 建立一个同时在中国和欧盟认可低碳供应链的认证体系，可以帮助企业遵守 CBAM 要求，同时提高其在全球市场的竞争力。
CNEUCN’s Role in Facilitating China-Europe Cooperation
As an expert platform dedicated to supporting China-Europe collaboration in sustainability, CNECN provides:
– Market Entry and Business Development Support
Helping companies understand local regulations, establish partnerships, and identify strategic investment opportunities.
– Regulatory and Policy Advisory
Assisting businesses in navigating carbon market regulations, CBAM compliance, and green financing options.
– Capacity Building and Industry Engagement
Organizing industry forums, matchmaking events, and facilitating direct engagement between Chinese and European sustainability leaders.
For companies seeking to expand in the Chinese market, CNEUCN serves as a bridge, providing the necessary insights, contacts, and strategic guidance to ensure smooth market entry and long-term success.
仲欧脱碳科技有限公司在促进中欧合作中的作用
作为一个致力于支持中欧可持续发展合作的专业平台，仲欧脱碳科技有限公司提供：
– 市场准入和业务发展支持
帮助企业了解当地法规、建立合作伙伴关系并确定战略投资机会。
– 监管和政策咨询
协助企业应对碳市场法规、遵守 CBAM 要求以及选择绿色融资方案。
– 能力建设和行业参与
组织行业论坛、对接活动，并促进中欧可持续发展领域领导者之间的直接交流。
对于寻求在中国市场扩张的企业来说，仲欧脱碳科技有限公司就像一座桥梁，提供必要的见解、人脉和战略指导，以确保顺利进入市场并实现长期成功。
Conclusion
The green transition is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity for businesses on both sides. By embracing cooperation, aligning industry standards, and leveraging each other’s strengths, China and Europe can lead the global shift toward sustainability.
Strong partnerships between China and the EU are fundamental to building a sustainable and prosperous future for both regions. Collective efforts in advancing the green transition will not only drive economic growth but also lead to significant environmental progress on a global scale. Both sides acknowledge that a successful green transition requires collaboration among governments, industries, and markets.
Decarbonization, sustainable production, and clean technologies form the core of this shared vision. By working together, we can strike a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.
结论
绿色转型不仅是环境的必然要求，也是双方企业的经济机遇。通过拥抱合作、协调行业标准并发挥彼此的优势，中国和欧洲可以引领全球向可持续发展的转变。
中欧之间强有力的伙伴关系是为双方构建可持续繁荣未来的基础。推进绿色转型的共同努力不仅将推动经济增长，还将在全球范围内带来显著的环境进步。双方都认识到，成功的绿色转型需要政府、企业和市场之间的合作。
脱碳、可持续生产和清洁技术构成了这一共同愿景的核心。通过共同努力，我们可以在经济发展和环境可持续性之间取得平衡。
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