▲ Maroš Šefčovič, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Trade and Economic Security
The Chinese government has made its opposition clear after the European Union (EU) sought to keep Chinese hybrid vehicle exports in check by calling for voluntary restrictions.
In a statement posted on its website on the 18th in a Q&A format with a reporter, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated, "So-called 'voluntary export restraints' seriously violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and run counter to market economy disciplines and the principles of fair competition," adding, "China firmly opposes this."
The spokesperson continued, "China's position is consistent," and added, "Any solution between China and the EU must ensure a balance of interests, comply with WTO rules and respective domestic laws, and fully take into account the industrial interests of both sides."
Previously, the UK's Financial Times reported that the EU had proposed a plan for China to voluntarily restrict its exports of hybrid vehicles.
Currently, Chinese hybrid vehicles account for more than one-third of sales in the EU market, and the EU is reportedly taking the stance that the sales share of Chinese hybrid vehicles should be reduced to 15%.
It has also been suggested that if China does not comply with voluntary export restraints, the EU may resort to direct import restrictions through tariff hikes.
In October 2024, the EU imposed tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese electric vehicles, citing that Chinese subsidies distort market competition.
Following this, imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles, which were subject only to a 10% base tariff, surged.
Imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles into the EU increased more than tenfold, rising from 3,800 units in October 2024 to 50,000 units in July of this year.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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