The European Union and China have agreed to extend discussions regarding tariffs on imported electric vehicles (EVs) and explore possible alternatives. Starting next week, the EU plans to implement additional tariffs of up to 35% on Chinese-made EVs. However, EU officials have stated that discussions can continue beyond this date. Potential alternatives under consideration include minimum price commitments from Chinese EV manufacturers or investments in Europe instead of tariffs.
“The principals agreed that further technical negotiations would take place shortly,” the European Commission stated following a meeting between EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. China’s commerce ministry expressed openness to a visit from the EU team, emphasizing that both sides view the pricing structure of EVs as a possible solution to the current dispute.
Dombrovskis and Wang reaffirmed their commitment to finding an agreement in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines. According to sources, China previously urged the EU not to pursue separate negotiations with individual Chinese car companies, cautioning that such actions could complicate ongoing talks. The European Commission clarified that its discussions with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products do not preclude additional talks with individual exporters.
China also noted that its investigations are in compliance with both Chinese and WTO rules. The European Commission, responsible for trade policy among the 27 EU nations, has so far conducted eight rounds of negotiations with Chinese EV manufacturers.
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