NYT: China's Self-Reliance Drive Widens Europe Trade Gap

“As we told you this morning, China is warning Europe it has trade tools ready.” — Hank Ledger, on air

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dr. Nina Byte on The Closing Bell
Published 3:44 PM ET, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “China’s ‘Self-Reliance’ Drive Is Upending Trade With Europe”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 3:44 PM ET on The Closing Bell, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dr. Nina Byte.
Topics: Europe, China.
BBN covered this story before: EU Weighs Tougher China Trade Steps; France Pauses Stun Grenades (October 7).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesChina’s ‘Self-Reliance’ Drive Is Upending Trade With Europe

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAs we told you this morning, China is warning Europe it has trade tools ready.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNew this afternoon: The New York Times says China's push to make more at home has widened its trade imbalance with Europe.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentTranslation: China stopped buying European stuff because it now builds its own. The Times says that is pressuring European industries and policymakers to act.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe Dow is off point six six percent.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSelf-reliance! Good for them. I haven't relied on anyone since my second divorce, and look at my glow.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentVera, that is a trade deficit, not a spa retreat. Europe sells less, China sells more, and everyone's lawyers get a new boat.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThank you both. Whether Europe retaliates is unclear.