Beijing (TDI): China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) voiced strong opposition to the European Union’s decision to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), following the EU’s vote to enact definitive tariffs on these imports.
In a statement issued on Friday, MOFCOM condemned the EU’s decision as unfair, non-compliant, and protectionist.
“China firmly opposes the EU’s imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese EVs,” the ministry stated, adding that the protectionist measures undermine the principles of fair trade.
The EU’s decision came after a vote on whether to implement a five-year countervailing duty on Chinese EV imports.
The European Commission (EC) announced that the proposal had secured the necessary backing from EU member states.
Dialogue Failed
China’s Ministry of Commerce highlighted that it has consistently advocated for resolving disputes through dialogue.
Since the EU initiated the anti-subsidy investigation in June, both sides have held over ten technical consultations, including two at the vice-ministerial level, in an effort to resolve differences.
Also Read: EU to Impose Tariffs Up to 45% on Chinese EVs
On September 19, China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, with both parties expressing a commitment to resolving issues through dialogue.
Despite these efforts, the EU pressed ahead with the tariffs, prompting China to express disappointment with the outcome.
MOFCOM noted that the technical teams from both sides will resume negotiations on October 7, expressing hope that the EU would reconsider the tariffs and avoid escalating trade tensions.
Also Read: BMW Presses Germany Against Chinese EVs Tariffs
The ministry warned that the EU’s measures would not only harm China-EU trade relations but also disrupt the global EV market and impede the EU’s green transition.
China argued that its EVs have contributed significantly to global efforts in addressing climate change, and the tariffs could delay progress on environmental goals.
MOFCOM urged the EU to demonstrate sincerity by resolving trade frictions through consultations and warned that China would take necessary steps to protect its enterprises’ interests.
The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU also expressed deep disappointment over the EU’s decision, urging the bloc to delay the implementation of the tariffs and to prioritize dialogue to resolve the dispute.
 voiced strong opposition to the European Union's decision to impose... Read More){kind=link}