China and the European Union said Monday they have agreed on steps toward resolving their dispute over the bloc’s imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles.
A “guidance document” released by the EU on Monday gives instructions for Chinese EV manufacturers on making price offers for EV exports, including minimum import prices and other details. The EU had imposed tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese EV imports in 2024 following an anti-subsidy investigation.
The EU said that wide variations in the types of vehicles made it necessary to set specific minimum import prices “appropriate to remove the injurious effects of the subsidization.” Chinese EV manufacturers’ plans for investments within the EU will also be considered, it said.
The EU said the European Commission would assess each offer in an “objective and fair manner, following the principle of non-discrimination” and in line with World Trade Organization rules.
“This is conducive not only to ensuring the healthy development of China-EU economic and trade relations, but also to safeguarding the rules-based international trade order,” a statement by China’s Commerce Ministry said.
The China Chamber of Commerce welcomed the EU move, which it said would bring about a “soft landing” in the EV standoff.
