Beijing urges European Union to drop EV tariffs

China is seeking a “mutually acceptable solution” with the European Union (EU) regarding the preliminary tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) set to take effect on July 4, according to the country’s commerce ministry.

Beijing has expressed its desire for the EU to abandon its plan to implement these tariffs. However, the EU insists that China must address the concerns about subsidies in its EV industry during technical talks this week if there is to be a positive outcome.

China has consistently denied allegations of unfair subsidies, asserting that its EV industry’s growth is due to advancements in technology, market conditions, and strong industry supply chains.

He Yadong, a spokesperson for the commerce ministry, said in a news conference, “The working teams from both sides are in close communication and intensifying their consultations. We hope the EU and China will work together to reach a mutually acceptable solution and prevent trade frictions from negatively impacting China-EU economic and trade relations.”

The ministry also mentioned that it is reviewing materials submitted on behalf of China’s electronic products industry concerning an EU trade barriers investigation.

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