China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, emphasized the importance of cooperation between China and Europe for the future success of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This statement comes in response to the European Union’s ongoing anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese battery electric vehicles (EVs). Wang vowed to continue negotiations until the last moment, underlining the need for fair and balanced outcomes.
During a roundtable in Brussels, Wang addressed around 30 executives from the Chinese and European EV sectors. He expressed concerns over the legitimacy and fairness of the EU’s investigation into Chinese EV subsidies. The meeting comes ahead of discussions between Wang and European Commission Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, aimed at preventing proposed tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese-made EVs.
EU Member States Weigh In on Proposed Tariffs
The European Commission is set to vote on the proposed duties by September 25, with potential implementation by the end of October. However, some EU member states, including Germany and Spain, have voiced opposition to the tariffs. German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck, during a meeting with Wang in Berlin, expressed strong support for free trade and emphasized Germany’s opposition to tariff hikes.
Habeck highlighted the importance of Chinese investment in Europe’s automotive sector and encouraged the EU to take a constructive approach to avoid escalating trade tensions. Similarly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged the EU to reconsider the tariffs, emphasizing the need for compromise to avert a trade war.
Free Trade Advocates Push Back Against Tariff Protection
European companies represented at the Brussels meeting stressed that they do not require tariff protection and voiced opposition to trade protectionism. They support free trade, open markets, and fair competition as key to the long-term success of the EV industry in both regions.
Experts like Tu Xinquan, Dean of the China Institute for WTO Studies, believe the evolving sentiment among key EU member states could significantly impact the outcome of the vote. A trade conflict, Tu warns, would harm both European consumers and businesses, who have long benefited from trade cooperation with China.
Source: chinadaily.com.cn
