Guideline for imports
The EU and China are moving closer in the dispute over electric cars
The rapid spread of Chinese electric cars is causing problems for manufacturers in Europe. China and the EU have been arguing about this for a long time. Now there is apparently some kind of compromise – but there are still unanswered questions.
The European Commission and China have apparently come closer in the dispute over tariffs for electric vehicles. Brussels has now presented a paper on how minimum prices for electric cars imported into the European Union from China could be designed.
A spokesman for the Commission emphasized that this was a guide and further steps would have to follow. According to the spokesman, minimum import prices could replace the current tariffs on Chinese electric cars.
accusation of Distortion of competition
Since autumn 2024, the EU had imposed a levy of up to 35 percent on Chinese electric vehicles, which angered the Chinese leadership. In recent years, more and more Chinese electric cars have been sold in the EU and the USA. However, according to the accusation, this was only possible through high subsidies that distorted competition with other manufacturers. According to the EU position, such an approach violates the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The USA even imposed a 100 percent tariff on electric cars manufactured in China.
The Ministry of Commerce in Beijing said the “agreement” (a word not used in Brussels) ensures the healthy development of economic and trade relations between China and the EU. It secures the rules-based international trade order.
