Discussions in Brussels on customs duties imposed by the European Union (EU) on electric vehicles imported from China ended with the observation that “ major divergences » remain, announced Saturday, October 12, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
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On the thorny issue ofautomobile electric, discussed between Brussels and Beijing these days, “ significant differences remain between the two parties “, the Chinese ministry said in a press release. The negotiators have made significant progress in certain areas “, he clarified, but they “ did not reach a solution acceptable to both parties “. Beijing has therefore invited EU negotiators to the next round of negotiations which is to take place in China.
“ Constructive attitude »
“ We hope that the EU can meet China halfway, make arrangements to visit China as soon as possible, and speed up consultations with a constructive attitude, so as to reach a suitable solution as soon as possible. », Underlined this press release. EU member countries confirmed in a vote on Friday October 12 the imposition of customs duties on electric cars imported from Chinadespite opposition from the Germans who fear a trade war with Beijing.
“ Unfair and unreasonable protectionist practices »
The European Commission now has a free hand to add to the 10% tax already in place a surcharge of up to 35% on Chinese-made battery vehicles. These countervailing duties are due to come into force at the end of October 2024. Beijing, which for its part denounced “ unjust and unreasonable protectionist practices ”, has already responded by launching anti-dumping investigations targeting pork, dairy products and brandies based on wine imported from Europe, including cognac. Representatives from Beijing and twenty-seven EU countries have led eight rounds of negotiations in Brussels since September 20.
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