FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Brussels and Beijing are nearing a solution over tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles into the bloc, the chairman of the European Parliament’s trade committee told a German broadcaster.
“We are close to an agreement: China could commit to offering e-cars in the EU at a minimum price,” Bernd Lange told n-tv, without elaborating. “This would eliminate the distortion of competition caused by unfair subsidies, which is why the tariffs were originally introduced.”
The European Commission was not immediately available for comment.
The European Union decided last month in its high-profile trade probe to raise tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles to as much as 45.3%, a move that has divided Europe and prompted retaliation from Beijing.
The tariffs, which came into effect on October 30, were imposed to counter what they say are unfair subsidies, including preferential financing and subsidies, as well as land, batteries and raw materials at below-market prices.
Despite the tariffs coming into effect, both sides have continued negotiations to find a solution, fueling hopes especially among German carmakers – which are heavily dependent on the Chinese market – that a trade dispute can be averted.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce at the EU said at the time that it was deeply disappointed by the ‘protectionist’ and ‘arbitrary’ EU measure.
(Reporting by Christoph Steitz; additional reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
