Automotive News Europe — 2025-06-09
Automotive Industry
China’s commerce ministry said talks with the European Union on setting minimum prices for Chinese-made electric vehicles have “entered final stages,” although more work is required to reach a deal.
The two sides are hammering out an agreement after the EU imposed steep tariffs on Chinese EV imports last year, alleging that state subsidies gave the country’s vehicles an unfair advantage.
Sales of Chinese EVs have slowed sharply in Europe since then. Some Chinese brands are switching their focus to plug-in hybrids, which are not subject to the tariffs, while others, including BYD and Chery, are setting up production facilities in Europe.
Negotiations took a “big step forward in the right direction of a proper resolution” when China’s commerce minister, Wang Wentao, met with European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in France earlier this month, according to a statement from the Chinese ministry released June 7.
Both sides have instructed their working groups to step up efforts to resolve trade differences consistent with national laws and World Trade Organization rules, the statement said.
In the meantime, China has agreed to speed up approvals for qualified rare earth exporters to Europe. In return, the Asian nation said it hopes the EU will facilitate and boost exports of high-tech products to China.