A Chinese industry body has called on the European Commission to revise its anti-subsidy probe into Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) expressed the need for a fair and balanced solution to prevent negative impacts on both sides.
At a press conference in Brussels, Shi Yonghong, vice president of CCCME, emphasized that \"Trade defense measures will harm all sides involved. The strength and growth of the EU and Chinese BEV industries lie in collaboration, not conflict.\"
The CCCME represents 12 Chinese BEV exporters, including three companies currently under investigation by the European Commission. On July 4, the Commission imposed provisional tariffs of up to 37.6 percent on Chinese BEV makers, citing subsidies that allegedly threaten EU producers.
Shi criticized the Commission’s findings as \"unlawful,\" pointing out that the investigation's sample was not representative. Only three Chinese BEV manufacturers, accounting for 39 percent of China's BEV exports to the EU, were selected, while the EU sample represented just 30 percent in production and 32 percent in sales.
He also highlighted that foreign-branded BEVs from China, making up about 70 percent of Chinese BEV imports into the EU, were overlooked. This, he argued, violates the principles of \"positive evidence\" and \"objective examination\" in price comparisons.
Shi urged the Commission to adhere to World Trade Organization and EU laws, ensuring objectivity, fairness, and transparency in the investigation. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers indicated that Chinese new energy vehicle production and sales grew over 30 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2024, with a market share of 35.2 percent by the end of June.
Wei Wenqing, deputy secretary general of the association, attributed the industry's success to technological innovation, a robust supply chain, and healthy competition, spurred by government policies aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting new energy vehicles.
Following the EU's tariff announcement, concerns were raised by EU member states and the automotive industry. Volkswagen stated that the decision's negative effects outweigh any potential benefits for the European automotive sector. Wei stressed that open competition and free trade would benefit both regions, citing mutual advancements and cooperation prospects in technology and R&D.
Shi concluded by highlighting the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU, urging the Commission to consider the broader interests of both regions.
Reference(s):
Chinese industry body urges EU to seek balanced solution in BEV probe
cgtn.com
