Associations and businesses within the electric vehicle (EV) industry are voicing strong opposition to the European Commission’s plan to impose additional duties on imports of battery EVs from China starting in July.
He Yadong, spokesperson for the Chinese Commerce Ministry, stated at a press conference on Thursday that the EU’s move would harm the legitimate rights and interests of China’s EV industry. He emphasized that such actions could disrupt the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Europe in the new energy vehicle sector and potentially distort the global automobile industry chain and supply chain.
He urged the EU to handle economic and trade frictions appropriately and to expand cooperation through healthy competition to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
In a parallel response, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) expressed strong opposition to the EU’s proposed duties. A spokesperson for the CCPIT described the EU’s investigation as “notably unfair” and a “typical double standard.”
The CCPIT spokesperson highlighted that the EU’s investigation procedures violated World Trade Organization (WTO) rules by restricting the participation of Chinese carmakers. The organization affirmed that Chinese industries and businesses would defend their legal rights under WTO regulations.
Furthermore, the CCPIT accused the EU of double standards, pointing out that the EU has provided substantial subsidies to its own EV and battery industries.
Industry experts warn that the imposition of additional tariffs could have broader implications for the global EV market, potentially leading to increased prices and slowed adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.
The unfolding situation underscores the complexities of international trade relations in the rapidly evolving EV sector, with stakeholders across the globe closely monitoring developments.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com