China: EU plans to impose tariffs on electric vehicles harm industry interests. The imposition of tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles from the European Union will harm the legitimate rights and interests of this industry, the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China said.
„The Chinese side expresses great concern in this regard, strong dissatisfaction, Chinese manufacturers express disappointment as well as strong protest,” said a statement on the department's website.
The Ministry of Commerce stressed that Brussels' actions not only infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of China's electric vehicle industry, but also undermine and distort the global supply chain of the automotive industry, including within the EU.
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The statement notes that the EU plans will affect the atmosphere of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and will also harm the interests of the users themselves in the organization.
„China will pay close attention to the follow-up actions of the EU and will unwaveringly take all necessary measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies,” the announcement said.
The Ministry of Commerce emphasized that the EU's conclusions have no factual or legal basis. The department noted that the European Commission holds the banner of “green development” in one hand and the “club of protectionism” on the other, politicizing economic and trade issues, which is “incompatible with the spirit of consensus between EU leaders and China to strengthen cooperation.“
We will recall that the European Commission conducted an investigation regarding electric vehicles imported into the EU from China and found violations regarding the “unfair“ state support.
In connection with this, the EC may introduce import duties as early as July 4, said Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas at a briefing in Brussels. As follows from a press release published on the website of the European Commission, the tariffs can be introduced from July 4, and they will vary from 17% to 38% depending on the specific producer.