China has formally invited a European technical team to visit for face-to-face consultations on the European Union’s tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on Thursday.
The invitation comes as China and the EU continue discussions following the European Commission’s decision on October 4 to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs. According to He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, China has made all necessary preparations for the visit and is awaiting a response from the European side.
“China has shown maximum sincerity and flexibility in the consultations,” He said during a press conference. “Significant progress has been made in some areas, but major differences remain, as the EU has yet to actively address issues of core concern for Chinese and European industries.”
The Chinese and European technical teams have conducted eight rounds of consultations over more than 20 days since September 20 in Brussels, aiming to find common ground and resolve trade tensions. The invitation for a face-to-face meeting reflects China’s commitment to open dialogue and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
The ongoing dispute centers around the EU’s concerns over alleged subsidies for Chinese EV manufacturers, which the EU claims give them an unfair advantage in the European market. China has called for fair treatment of its industries and emphasized the importance of cooperation in the rapidly growing EV sector.
The outcome of these consultations could have significant implications for the global EV market and China-EU trade relations. Both sides are under pressure to balance domestic industry interests with the benefits of international trade and cooperation in addressing climate change through the promotion of electric mobility.
Reference(s):
China invites EU technical team to visit for EV tariff consultations
cgtn.com
