China pushes back against EU's duties on Chinese EVs, calls for fair trade

Chin on EU Tariffs: In a move signalling escalating trade tensions, China has firmly opposed the European Union's plans to impose import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China. The stance was articulated by Zheng Shanjie, chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission, during a high-profile meeting with Robert Habeck, the German economy minister visiting Beijing.

The EU's proposed tariffs on Chinese EVs have sparked significant concern in Beijing, with Zheng asserting that such measures would not only adversely affect Chinese companies but also have broader economic repercussions impacting both China and the EU. Zheng underscored the importance of fair trade practices and urged Germany, a prominent member of the EU, to advocate for balanced trade policies within the bloc.

Central to China's objection is its commitment to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses, particularly in burgeoning sectors like electric vehicles. The country views the imposition of tariffs as detrimental to its efforts to bolster its EV industry, which has seen substantial growth in recent years. China has been positioning itself as a global leader in electric mobility, with significant investments in research, development, and production capacity aimed at meeting domestic demand and expanding its footprint in international markets.

The meeting between Zheng and Habeck highlighted the broader geopolitical implications of trade policies in a post-pandemic world. As global economies strive to recover and reshape their industrial landscapes, the issue of trade barriers and protectionist measures has taken center stage. Both China and the EU find themselves navigating a delicate balance between promoting domestic industries and maintaining open and equitable trade relations.

Against the backdrop of these discussions, stakeholders across industries are closely monitoring developments that could potentially impact global supply chains and market dynamics. The outcome of these deliberations may set precedents for future trade negotiations and collaborations between China and the EU, influencing the trajectory of economic cooperation and competition in the electric vehicle sector and beyond.

With Reuter's Inputs