Trade dispute
Beijing is pushing for an agreement with Brussels in the customs dispute
The tariffs on electric cars from China came into force at midnight. Beijing wants to continue negotiating to avoid “escalation”.
Despite the EU’s additional tariffs on electric cars imported from China coming into force, Beijing wants to continue to seek a negotiated solution with Brussels.
It is hoped that the EU will work with China to “quickly find a mutually acceptable solution to avoid an escalation of trade conflicts,” said the Beijing Ministry of Commerce.
China has repeatedly pointed out that the anti-subsidy investigation has “many unfair and unlawful aspects.” It will continue to take all necessary measures to resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. At the same time, it was noted that the EU had signaled its willingness to continue negotiations, the ministry continued.
Negotiations at a technical level
The additional EU tariffs came into force at midnight. The taxes should apply for five years. From the EU Commission’s perspective, the countervailing duties are necessary to secure the long-term future of the auto industry in the EU. An investigation concluded that Chinese manufacturers benefit from unfair subsidies that give them a significant advantage in the European market.
Before the EU Commission’s decision, a sufficiently large majority of EU states voted in favor of the punitive tariffs at the beginning of the month. Germany voted against the measure, fearing a major new trade conflict and possible retaliation against German manufacturers.
Negotiations about a possible amicable solution to the trade dispute remained unsuccessful until the end. One option seen is that e-car dealers can enter into price commitments and thus avoid tariffs. At a technical level, the negotiations continued even after the decision in favor of the compensatory charges, the Commission said.
dpa
Source: Stern
