Italy backs the European Commission's proposed tariffs on electric vehicle (EV) imports from China, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
„We support the tariffs that the European Commission proposes to protect the competitiveness of our companies”, Tajani stressed. He added that Italy wants a trade plan based on equality, insisting on equal access of Italian products to Chinese markets. “Our companies must compete on a level playing field,” he remarked.
Italy seeks positive cooperation with China and true reciprocity to avoid dumping and trade barriers that sometimes seem inexplicable, added the foreign minister. Despite this firm position, Tajani stressed that it does not compromise Italy's good relations with China.
In July, Italy initially backed the tariffs in a non-binding vote among EU countries, but Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said he hoped for a negotiated solution.
Italy remains a leading car producer and is trying to attract Chinese manufacturers, such as Dongfeng and Chery Auto, to open factories in the country and increase car production.
At the end of July, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited China to boost cooperation with the world's second-largest economy and restore trade ties after leaving the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. President Sergio Mattarella will also visit China later this year, with Tajani as part of the delegation.
The European Commission plans to propose final tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese electric cars, on top of the standard 10% for EU car imports. The proposed tariffs will be put to a vote by the 27 EU member states, with implementation expected by the end of October unless a qualified majority of 15 countries representing 65% of the EU's population vote against it.