BRUSSELS, Sept 19 (Askume) – The European Commission and China agreed to step up efforts to avoid EU import duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles and could revisit a minimum price deal previously rejected by the EU.
EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao spoke to EU countries on ThursdayGet ready to vote on imposing tariffs of up to 35.3% over the EU’s standard 10% car import tariff .
A committee spokesperson said the two leaders had a “frank and constructive” discussion on electric vehicle tariffs. Dombrovskis stressed that the EU’s counterbalance investigation is based on facts and aims to ensure competition and a level playing field.
“Both sides reaffirmed their political will to intensify their efforts and to find a mutually acceptable and effective solution to the problem that is enforceable, monitorable and in line with WTO rules,” the spokesperson said.
He said the two sides agreed to review price commitments, which generally include minimum price commitments and volume limits from exporters. EU leaders had previously said the deadline for China’s electric vehicle price proposal had passed.
Dombrovskis said the EU would continue the investigation.
The European Commission vice president also expressed “serious concerns” about China’s trade investigations into EU imports of brandy, pork and dairy products that could lead to China imposing tariffs, saying they are unfair and make “dubious allegations.”
