The Commission is conducting an investigation into potential subsidies for Chinese battery EVs to decide on imposing tariffs to safeguard EU manufacturers. The investigation is expected to finish by November, but provisional duties could be applied as early as July.
The European Commission has announced its intention to commence customs registration for imports of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), signalling that these imports could be subject to tariffs if the EU’s ongoing trade investigation ultimately finds that they are benefiting from unfair subsidies.
This decision is part of an anti-subsidy investigation focusing on Chinese battery-powered EVs to assess the need for tariffs to protect European manufacturers. The investigation is expected to conclude by November, but provisional duties might be imposed as early as July.
In a recent document, the Commission stated that it had gathered sufficient evidence suggesting that Chinese EVs are being subsidized and that their imports into the EU have risen by 14% year-on-year since the formal initiation of the investigation in October.
The document also highlighted concerns that the continued rapid influx of Chinese imports could cause irreparable harm to EU producers if it persists until the investigation’s conclusion.
The registration process for these imports is set to begin the day following the publication of the plan in the EU’s official journal, which is anticipated to occur in the next few days.
The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU expressed disappointment with this development, arguing that the increase in imports is a reflection of the growing European demand for electric vehicles.
