An official from the Chinese communist regime has arrived in Europe for negotiations. The European Commission announced on Sept. 15 that the deadline for Chinese manufacturers to establish a minimum price on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) has passed, marking a significant step in negotiations as the European Union gears up to vote on Chinese EV tariffs next month.
A spokesperson for the European Commission stated on Monday, “The deadline for submitting such offers was the 24th of August and there is no possibility beyond that deadline to offer new price undertakings under the rules of this type of investigation. The Chinese automakers in question had ample time before the deadline to make this type of price undertaking, and failing to do so earlier hindered meaningful engagement on the topic.”
The European Commission is scheduled to vote on the tariffs in October. The current proposal includes tariffs of 9 percent for Tesla, 17 percent for BYD, 19.3 percent for Geely, and 36.3 percent for the state-owned SAIC Group, in addition to the standard 10 percent duty applied by the bloc to all imported cars.
The European Commission unveiled the tariff rates following an investigation into the Chinese EV industry, determining that the Chinese regime had subsidised the industry to the extent of creating overcapacity, leading to artificially low prices that could disrupt the European market.
If a majority of the EU’s 27 member states vote in favor of the measure, the tariffs will be implemented by the end of October and typically remain in effect for five years once approved.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met with Wang in Rome on Sept. 16 and expressed support for the duties in an interview with local media outlet Corriere della Sera on the same day.
Italy, a significant car manufacturing nation within the EU, has also been seeking Chinese carmakers Dongfeng and Chery Auto to establish factories in the country.
According to a statement, Tajani and Wang discussed trade relations and international conflicts.
Tajani highlighted the significance of Chinese collaboration in ensuring the security of the Red Sea, a vital region for navigation freedom and export safety.
The statement also touched upon the conflict in Ukraine.
“I raised concerns regarding military supplies to Russia,” Tajani remarked. “China’s cooperation is crucial, especially in light of the upcoming peace conference.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
