MNI BRIEF: China Has Four Months To Negotiate EU EV Agreement

China sees a four month window for Brussel’s and Beijing to “meet each other halfway” over the EV trade dispute before a final decision will be made, He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, He said multiple rounds of technical consultations have already taken place, and hoped consultations could be advanced as soon as possible based on facts and rules.

China and the European Union are unlikely to reach agreement before a July 4 deadline for Brussels to impose provisional tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese electric vehicles, but Beijing still hopes for compromises to reduce the definitive levies due within four months, former trade officials and advisors told MNI. (SEE: MNI: China Expecting EU Tariffs On Electric Vehicles-Advisors)