China has officially filed an appeal with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the European Union’s recent imposition of provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The appeal, lodged on Friday, challenges the EU’s decision, which China claims undermines the global EV industry and hinders international efforts towards green transformation.
China Defends Its EV Industry
The Ministry of Commerce stated that the appeal is aimed at protecting the development rights of China’s EV sector and promoting global cooperation on sustainable development. According to the ministry, the EU’s preliminary ruling “lacks a factual and legal basis,” and constitutes a violation of WTO rules, further complicating global efforts to combat climate change.
China is urging the EU to reconsider its stance and work collaboratively to maintain the stability of the China-EU economic and trade relationship, particularly in the EV industry and its supply chain.
EU’s Tariff Decision
The conflict escalated in early July when the European Commission imposed provisional tariffs of up to 37.6% on Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturers. The EU justified the tariffs by claiming that subsidies in China’s BEV sector pose a significant economic threat to European producers.
As the dispute progresses, both sides remain firm in their positions, with China seeking to overturn the EU’s decision through the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for the global EV market and international trade relations.
Source: china.org.cn
