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China has called on France to play an "active role" in influencing the European Commission toward a balanced solution for both European and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sectors , China’s commerce ministry reported on Monday. During a meeting in Shanghai, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expressed concern over the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese-made battery EVs, which China claims has "seriously hindered" industry cooperation between China and the EU. Last month, the EU voted to implement tariffs on Chinese EV imports, intensifying trade tensions. In response, China launched investigations into EU exports such as pork and dairy and recently imposed anti-dumping measures on brandy . Wang asserted that China’s investigations adhere to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and were initiated by domestic industry applications, contrasting this with the EU’s “rash” EV probe. Nevertheless, Wang affirmed China’s willingness to collaborate with the E...

Several Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are planning to establish manufacturing and assembly plants in Europe as part of their strategy to sell lower-cost cars and compete with European automakers, according to a report by Business Today . This move follows the European Union's (EU) decision to impose import tariffs on Chinese-made EVs , citing concerns over state subsidies provided to these manufacturers. By setting up factories in Europe, Chinese companies like Chery , BYD , Leapmotor , SAIC , Xpeng , Geely , GAC , GWM , and Dongfeng Motor aim to reduce costs and mitigate the impact of these tariffs, allowing them to better challenge European competitors in the world's largest car market.

BYD , the world’s second-largest producer of electric vehicles (EVs) after Tesla, expressed strong opposition to the European Union’s planned tariffs on Chinese-made EVs , while outlining its strategy to produce nearly all the cars it sells in Europe locally . This move aligns BYD with other Chinese automakers accelerating their European manufacturing plans. At the Paris car show , BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li revealed that the company will manufacture key components in Europe and assemble battery packs at its plants in Hungary and Turkey , importing only the battery cells from China . BYD faces an additional 17% tariff on top of an existing 10% , and is considering whether to pass these costs onto consumers or absorb them. The company does not expect to sell its vehicles in Europe for less than 30,000 euros (US$32,745) . Li criticized the EU’s tariff plans, stating, “ Politicians should stay away from tariffs ,” emphasizing that tariffs would increase manufacturing costs ...

The European Union is set to vote on Oct. 4 on whether to impose tariffs as high as 45% on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China . This decision follows a European Commission investigation that found China unfairly subsidizes its EV industry , putting European manufacturers at a disadvantage. The proposed tariffs would add to the existing 10% duty , potentially increasing total tariffs on Chinese EVs to 35% starting in November for the next five years, unless a qualified majority of member states—representing 65% of the EU's population —opposes the move. The European Commission has been negotiating with Beijing in hopes of finding a resolution to avoid the tariffs, but talks may continue even after the vote. China denies the subsidy accusations and has threatened retaliatory tariffs on European goods such as dairy, brandy, pork , and large-engine cars . Major member states, including Germany and Spain , have expressed concern that the tariffs could lead to a trade war...

As a crucial vote on European Union (EU) duties on China-made electric vehicles (EVs) approaches, Beijing has employed a calculated carrot-and-stick strategy toward the 27-member bloc, threatening trade retaliation while simultaneously engaging key EU states in one-on-one negotiations over deals and investments. The potential counter-tariffs could hit EU nations like Spain, France, and Italy —which have supported the proposed EV duties—particularly hard, with key exports such as pork, dairy, and brandy to the world's second-largest economy at risk. In contrast, EU members like Germany, Finland, and Sweden that have not pushed for the tariffs would face less impact, as they have limited exposure to these export categories targeted by China. China’s strategy seems to be gaining traction. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently concluded a visit to China, where he was photographed in a Chinese EV, calling the experience an “honor.” Following his visit, Sanchez unexpectedly ca...

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers suffered a setback in Europe in July 2024, as new tariffs and a general slowdown in EV demand hit their sales. The introduction of tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, which took effect on July 5, has added pressure on automakers already grappling with reduced incentives in key markets like Germany. Key Takeaways: Impact of New Tariffs : Chinese automakers, including SAIC Motor Corp’s MG and BYD Co, saw their share of EV registrations in Europe drop to 9.9% in July 2024, down from 10.2% a year earlier. New tariffs have increased duties on Chinese-made EVs to as high as 48%, significantly impacting their competitiveness in the European market. SAIC’s MG brand experienced a 38% decrease in registrations compared to July 2023 and a 60% decline from June 2024 as it pushed more than 13,000 vehicles into dealerships ahead of the tariff deadline. Decline in EV Demand and Trade Tensions : The overall demand for EVs in Europe weakened following the removal of incent...

  Canada is set to introduce significant new tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), steel, and aluminium, in alignment with its Western allies and in an effort to protect domestic manufacturers. The Canadian government plans to levy a 100% tariff on electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports from China. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce the new policy in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where his cabinet is meeting to discuss economic and foreign policy matters. Key Points: Alignment with U.S. and Western Allies : Canada's decision follows similar moves by the U.S. and the European Union to impose tariffs on Chinese products, particularly in the EV sector. The U.S. recently introduced steep tariffs on Chinese EVs, batteries, and steel, while the EU has proposed additional duties on Chinese EV imports. Impact on Canadian Auto Industry : Canada’s auto sector, heavily integrated with that of the U.S., is a significant part of the country’s eco...

China's Commerce Ministry held discussions with automakers and industry associations on Friday to explore the possibility of raising import tariffs on large-engined gasoline vehicles. This move comes as the European Union (EU) approaches a crucial vote in October on whether to impose additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), a decision that could escalate trade tensions between the two economic giants. Key Takeaways: Potential Tariff Increase on Large-Engined Vehicles : The Chinese government is considering raising import tariffs on large-displacement gasoline vehicles, signaling a possible retaliatory measure against the EU's proposed duties on Chinese EVs. This move would particularly impact Germany, which exported $1.2 billion worth of such vehicles to China in 2023. EU's Proposed Tariffs on Chinese EVs : The EU is set to vote on whether to impose additional duties of up to 36.3% on Chinese electric vehicles, on top of the existing 10% import tariff. Wh...