Chinese automakers have urged Beijing to raise tariffs on imported European gasoline-powered cars in response to EU curbs on Chinese-made EVs, the state-backed Global Times reported on Wednesday.
At a closed-door meeting organized by China’s Ministry of Commerce and attended by companies like SAIC, BYD, BMW, and Volkswagen, the industry called for “firm countermeasures” and suggested higher tariffs on large-displacement gasoline cars.
The meeting aimed to pressure Europe against the tariffs announced last week. European firms like Mercedes-Benz and Renault also attended. The European Commission is exploring potential solutions to avoid a tariff war.
In June, the EU imposed anti-subsidy duties on imported Chinese EVs, following similar U.S. actions. This move raised concerns of escalating trade tensions.
China had previously hinted at retaliatory measures, including possible anti-dumping investigations into European pork and dairy imports. The Global Times reported that a Chinese auto research center suggested raising tariffs on imported gasoline sedans and SUVs from 15% to 25%.
In 2023, Europe exported 196,000 large-engine vehicles to China, while China exported €9.7 billion worth of EVs to the EU. Major exporters like Germany could be significantly impacted by the proposed tariff increase.
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