China Challenges EU Electric Vehicle Tariffs at WTO

China has lodged an appeal with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the European Union's decision to impose additional tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China. The EU had implemented provisional duties of up to 38 percent on these imports, following an investigation by the European Commission that concluded Chinese EVs were unfairly undermining European manufacturers. China's Ministry of Commerce argues that the EU's preliminary ruling lacks a factual and legal basis, contravenes WTO rules, and hampers global cooperation on climate change.

The appeal by China seeks to protect the development rights and interests of its EV industry and to support global green transformation efforts. The ministry has called on the EU to rectify its actions to maintain stable economic and trade relations between China and the EU. This trade dispute occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with the United States already increasing customs duties on Chinese electric cars to 100 percent, and Canada considering similar measures. The EU has also been investigating Chinese subsidies in other sectors, including solar panels, wind turbines, and trains.