The annual survey shows that while most European companies in China posted positive revenues and were profitable in 2021, doing business became more difficult for the majority.

As the rest of the world returns to a pre-pandemic level of normality, and China’s stringent COVID-19 policy exacerbates the challenges of doing business, many European Chamber members are questioning just how many eggs they are willing to keep in their China basket.

• Two thirds of European businesses saw revenue increases during 2021, however doing business also became more difficult year-on-year (y-o-y) for 60%.
• COVID-19 was the top issue faced by business in 2021, ranking as a top-three challenge for 49%; China’s economic slowdown, a top three issue for 24%, ranked second.
• 50% reported that the business environment became more politicised in 2021.
• Regulatory barriers are still resulting in missed business opportunities, with 42% of firms reporting this to be the case.

 Read press release in English and Chinese.