Commission Confirms EV Duties On Chinese Imports

As had been reported earlier today, (see 'CHINA-EU: Chinese EVs To Face Hefty 36.3% Duty-MLex' 0909BST), the European Commission has now confirmed the rate of permanent duty that will be placed on Chinese-made EVs as part of its definitive findings in an anti-subsidy probe. These range from 17.0% of BYD vehicles, up to 36.3% for non-cooperating firms, while Tesla is given a special individual duty range of 9%.

• In its Q&A associated with the findings, the Commission confirms that interested parties will have 10 days to provide comments and request hearings on the disclosure of the definitive findings. After this, the Trade Defence Instruments Committee - formed by reps from the member states - will vote on the measure. There is no set date for a vote yet.
• The measure will pass unless there is a qualified majority vote (55% of EU states representing 65% of the EU population. In the non-binding July vote, only four member states voted against, with 11 abstentions, well short of the levels required to stop the tariffs coming into force at end-October.
• The Chinese Commerce Ministry says in response that "the EU failed to fully absorb China's opinions, and insisted on its 'wrongdoings'". MOFCOM: 'China firmly opposes [the findings] and is highly concerned by this.' MOFCOM says it hopes the EU would expedite discussions on proper solutions and avoid the escalation of trade frictions. Says that 'China will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms'.