The EU and China are transferring nearer within the dispute over e-car imports | EUROtoday

As of: January 12, 2026 1:35 p.m

The fast unfold of Chinese electrical automobiles is inflicting issues for producers in Europe. China and the EU have been arguing about this for a very long time. Now there’s apparently some sort of compromise – however there are nonetheless unanswered questions.

The European Commission and China have apparently come nearer within the dispute over tariffs for electrical autos. Brussels has now offered a paper on how minimal costs for electrical automobiles imported into the European Union from China might be designed.

A spokesman for the Commission emphasised that this was a information and additional steps must observe. According to the spokesman, minimal import costs may exchange the present tariffs on Chinese electrical automobiles.

accusation of Distortion of competitors

Since autumn 2024, the EU had imposed a levy of as much as 35 % on Chinese electrical autos, which angered the Chinese management. In current years, an increasing number of Chinese electrical automobiles have been offered within the EU and the USA. However, in response to the accusation, this was solely potential by means of excessive subsidies that distorted competitors with different producers. According to the EU place, such an method violates the principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The USA even imposed a one hundred pc tariff on electrical automobiles manufactured in China.

The Ministry of Commerce in Beijing mentioned the “agreement” (a phrase not utilized in Brussels) ensures the wholesome improvement of financial and commerce relations between China and the EU. It secures the rules-based worldwide commerce order.