Cars, EU proposes minimum prices on electric cars to China to cancel tariffs
The aggressive attitude of the United States, politically and economically, is causing a readjustment in international relations
FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT
BRUSSELS - In an international context marked by an ever-sharper rift in transatlantic relations, the European Union has presented guidelines that - if respected - would allow Chinese manufacturers to import electric cars into Europe without being subject to the tariffs decided in 2024. Among the criteria for a European green light are promises of investment. The announcement opens the door to an escalation of tensions with China, at least in this sector.
The October 2024 decision
Faced with the massive arrival of Chinese cars on the European market, the European Commission had decided a year and a half ago to impose additional tariffs of up to 35% on Chinese vehicles, accusing the manufacturers of enjoying public subsidies. On that occasion, it had proposed allowing companies to avoid the new tariffs (to be added to the 10% already provided for) in return for a formal commitment to sell at certain prices.
An initial proposal to this effect reached Brussels last month, explained EU spokesman Olof Gill (the initiative 'is still under consideration'). In an attempt to facilitate relations between Beijing and Brussels, the European Commission therefore published guidelines to facilitate the submission of formal price proposals by Chinese car manufacturers. The eight-page document was welcomed by the Chinese government.
Concretely, the guidelines presented by Brussels specify that the price proposed by the carmaker "must eliminate the harmful effects of subsidies" enjoyed by production in China; and that the price commitment must relate to individual models. Among other things, the Commission warns that it will be cautious when assessing the risks of cross-subsidisation between different models of the same car company.
