China rejects EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles

China does not agree or accept the European Commission’s decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

China has repeatedly pointed out that “the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation on Chinese electric vehicles is irrational and fraught with many non-compliance issues, and is a protectionist move under the guise of fair competition,” the spokesperson said in a statement on the ministry’s website, Xinhua news agency reported.

China has already filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism on the issue, and will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Noting that the EU remains willing to continue talks on price commitments for Chinese-made electric vehicles, the spokesperson said, “China always advocates resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation, and has done its utmost to this end.”

The spokesperson expressed China’s hope that the European side will work constructively with China, take into account each other’s major concerns and seek a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible, so as to avoid escalation of trade frictions.