China’s Commerce Minister Grumbles About EU’s Attitude in EV Tariff Talks

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China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani on Monday to discuss the EU’s anti-subsidy case against China-made EVs. Photo: Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China

The Chinese commerce minister has complained to an Italian cabinet member about the European Commission’s rigidity in their discussions about the European Union’s proposed tariff hikes on China-made electric vehicles (EVs).

In talks Monday in Rome with Antonio Tajani, the deputy prime minister of Italy and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said the commission has shown “no political will” to properly resolve their trade dispute, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce. Wang reached this conclusion after European officials “hastily, swiftly and completely” rejected a number of solutions offered by the Chinese side, the statement said.

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The Chinese Commerce Minister criticized the European Commission's rigidity on proposed EU tariff hikes on China-made electric vehicles.
Discussions in Rome highlighted China's concerns over the economic impact, while Italy's Deputy PM urged resolution under WTO rules.
EU rejected Chinese EV-makers' price-offer; final October vote may lock duties, affecting major Chinese automakers like SAIC, Geely, and BYD with tariffs up to 36.3%.

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Who’s Who

SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd.: SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd., the owner of the MG brand, is facing an added duty of 36.3% on its China-made electric vehicles (EVs) proposed by the European Commission. This tariff is part of the EU's investigation into Chinese EVs, which found that state subsidies allow Chinese automakers to undercut European rivals. The proposed tariff hikes are to be decided by an EU vote expected by the end of October.

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.: Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. is the parent company of Volvo Car AB. In relation to the EU's proposed tariff hikes on China-made electric vehicles, Geely faces an added duty of 19.3%. The European Commission has adjusted the proposed additional duties on these EVs, down slightly from provisional levels announced in July.

BYD Co. Ltd.: BYD Co. Ltd. is a Chinese automaker facing a proposed additional duty of 17% on China-made electric vehicles (EVs) sold in the European Union. This comes as part of the EU's revised tariff hikes on Chinese EVs, aimed at addressing concerns over state subsidies. The final decision on these duties will be made by the end of October, requiring a qualified majority from EU member states to either approve or reject the levies.

Volvo Car AB: Volvo Car AB, owned by Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd., faces an additional duty of 19.3% on its electric vehicles (EVs) exported to the European Union as part of the EU's proposed tariff hikes on China-made EVs. The European Commission made this decision in its investigation of state subsidies enabling Chinese automakers to undercut European rivals.

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What Happened When

July 2024：: The European Commission announced provisional levels of EV tariffs hikes on China-made EVs.

August 2024：: The European Commission announced an adjusted set of proposed additional duties on China-made EVs.

Thursday, September 12, 2024：: The European Commission rejected an offer submitted by a dozen Chinese EV-makers to set minimum prices on their EVs shipped to the EU.

Saturday, September 14, 2024：: The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products reported on the European Commission's rejection of the offer.

Monday, September 16, 2024：: Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome to discuss the EU’s proposed tariff hikes on China-made EVs.

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