The European Commission has imposed temporary countervailing duties on battery electric vehicle imports from China. This happens nine months after the start of the investigation into unfair subsidies.
On the basis of the investigation, the Commission concluded that the value chain for electric vehicles in China is benefiting from unfair subsidies, which creates a risk of economic harm to EU electric car manufacturers. The investigation also looked at the likely consequences and impact of these measures on importers, users and consumers of electric cars in the EU.
Consultations with the Chinese government have intensified in recent weeks following an exchange of views between Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. Contacts continue at a technical level with a view to reaching a solution compatible with the rules of the World Trade Organization, which adequately responds to the concerns expressed by the European Union.
All the detailed findings of the investigation are reflected in the implementing regulation which is published in the Official Journal of the EU.
These temporary duties will apply from 5 July 2024 for a maximum period of four months. Within this period, a final decision on the final tariffs must be taken by a vote of the EU member states. When passed, this decision will make the tariffs final for a period of five years.