Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy backs the European Commission’s proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to protect its companies. He discussed this and other trade issues with China’s commerce minister in Rome, emphasizing Italy’s commitment to fair market access and maintaining good relations with China.
Italy has expressed its support for the European Commission’s proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) exports, as articulated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during a recently published interview prior to his meeting with China’s Commerce Minister in Rome. Tajani emphasised the importance of these tariffs for maintaining the competitiveness of Italian companies within the global market.
During his visit to Europe, Chinese Minister Wang Wentao engaged in discussions with European officials, including Tajani, concerning the European Union’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese-made EVs. These discussions took place against the backdrop of an impending vote on increased tariffs. However, the Italian Foreign Ministry’s statement following the meeting did not specifically mention EVs.
In their discussions, Tajani and Wang addressed several key issues, including the protection of intellectual property, trade in the agricultural and food sectors, and investment opportunities. They also explored broader geopolitical issues, such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in Gaza and the Red Sea. Italy urged China to assist in addressing the distribution of arms to Russia and ensuring maritime safety in the Red Sea.
Wang’s European tour includes a scheduled meeting with the European Commission’s Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on September 19. During his interactions, Tajani stressed the need for equitable trade practices and demanded reciprocal access to Italian products in Chinese markets.
While Italy initially supported the imposition of tariffs in a preliminary EU vote in July, Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso recently indicated a preference for a negotiated resolution to the tariff issue.
Italy, a significant player in the automotive industry and home to major brands like Fiat from the Stellantis group, is also seeking to attract Chinese car manufacturers such as Dongfeng and Chery Auto to establish production facilities locally, aiming to boost its automotive production capacity.
Tajani also assured that these positions would not adversely affect Italy’s diplomatic relations with China, noting the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. This diplomatic push included a visit to China by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the end of July to foster cooperation and recalibrate trade relations after Italy withdrew from the Belt and Road infrastructure investment initiative. Additionally, Italian President Sergio Mattarella is slated to visit China later in the year, with Tajani as part of the delegation.
The European Commission is nearing a decision to propose final tariffs that could reach up to 35.3% on Chinese-built EVs, which would be in addition to the EU’s standard 10% car import duty.
