Trade Chief Says EU and China Near Agreement on Eliminating Electric Vehicle Tariffs
China and the EU are close to reaching an agreement to lift tariffs on imports of Chinese electric cars, according to the bloc’s leading trade official. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Brussels and Beijing are nearing the completion of an agreement to eliminate EU tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, as stated by Bernd Lange, the head of the European Parliament’s Trade Committee, in a recent interview with Germany’s ntv news outlet.
In October, the European Commission enacted tariffs reaching up to 35.3% on battery electric vehicles manufactured in China. These levies, which came into force on October 30, were in addition to the EU's standard 10% duty on imported cars.
Lange remarked to ntv, “We are also still negotiating with the Chinese side regarding the electric cars. We are close to a solution with China to abolish the tariffs.” He added, “We are close to an agreement: China could commit to offering the electric cars in the EU at a minimum price,” highlighting that this move could “eliminate the distortion of competition through unfair subsidies, which is why the tariffs were originally introduced.”
The tariffs followed a comprehensive trade investigation by the EU that lasted a year. Brussels maintained that the measures were essential for safeguarding European car manufacturers from unfair practices, citing that Chinese companies gain an advantage through state subsidies.
The imposition of these tariffs has caused division within the EU and has prompted retaliation from Beijing. Germany, recognized as one of the leading car producers globally, along with Hungary, expressed strong dissent against the tariffs, cautioning about the potential for “a trade war” and advocating for a negotiated resolution.
In retaliation, Beijing implemented provisional tariffs on alcoholic beverages imported from the EU. These temporary anti-dumping tariffs, effective from October 11, range between 30.6% and 39%. In August, the Chinese Commerce Ministry disclosed that preliminary findings indicated European exporters were selling products in China at below-market prices, posing a threat of “substantial damage” to local producers. Additionally, anti-dumping investigations were initiated into EU pork and dairy products.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
In October, the European Commission enacted tariffs reaching up to 35.3% on battery electric vehicles manufactured in China. These levies, which came into force on October 30, were in addition to the EU's standard 10% duty on imported cars.
Lange remarked to ntv, “We are also still negotiating with the Chinese side regarding the electric cars. We are close to a solution with China to abolish the tariffs.” He added, “We are close to an agreement: China could commit to offering the electric cars in the EU at a minimum price,” highlighting that this move could “eliminate the distortion of competition through unfair subsidies, which is why the tariffs were originally introduced.”
The tariffs followed a comprehensive trade investigation by the EU that lasted a year. Brussels maintained that the measures were essential for safeguarding European car manufacturers from unfair practices, citing that Chinese companies gain an advantage through state subsidies.
The imposition of these tariffs has caused division within the EU and has prompted retaliation from Beijing. Germany, recognized as one of the leading car producers globally, along with Hungary, expressed strong dissent against the tariffs, cautioning about the potential for “a trade war” and advocating for a negotiated resolution.
In retaliation, Beijing implemented provisional tariffs on alcoholic beverages imported from the EU. These temporary anti-dumping tariffs, effective from October 11, range between 30.6% and 39%. In August, the Chinese Commerce Ministry disclosed that preliminary findings indicated European exporters were selling products in China at below-market prices, posing a threat of “substantial damage” to local producers. Additionally, anti-dumping investigations were initiated into EU pork and dairy products.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
