China Opposes EU’s Additional Tariffs on Electric Vehicles

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has expressed strong opposition to the European Union’s decision to impose additional tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China, following a vote passed earlier today.

In a statement, MOFCOM criticized the EU’s actions as “unfair, non-compliant, and unreasonable protectionist practices,” specifically targeting the imposition of anti-subsidy duties on Chinese EVs. The spokesperson emphasized that China’s EVs are market-driven and characterized by full competition and ongoing innovation, contributing significantly to global efforts in climate change mitigation.

The ministry stated that the EU’s protectionist measures violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and disrupt the international trade order. The spokesperson warned that such actions would not only hinder trade and investment cooperation between China and the EU but also impede the EU’s green transformation and undermine global climate change efforts.

The EU member states voted earlier today to implement tariffs on Chinese EVs, establishing a five-year policy for higher tariffs. While countries like Germany, Hungary, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia voted against the measures, others, including Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Poland, supported the additional tariffs.

Since late June, China and the EU have engaged in multiple consultations regarding the EV tariffs, with China showing openness and flexibility throughout the discussions. On September 19, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis agreed to initiate consultations on price commitments to prevent escalating trade tensions.

While MOFCOM reiterated its firm opposition to the EU’s final ruling, it acknowledged the EU’s willingness to negotiate further. Technical teams from both sides are scheduled to continue discussions on October 7.

The ministry urged the EU to recognize that imposing tariffs would not resolve any issues and would undermine the confidence of Chinese companies to invest and cooperate in Europe. MOFCOM called for the EU to demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving trade frictions through consultations, warning that China would take necessary measures to protect the interests of its enterprises.