German Vice Chancellor Harbeck: Disapproves of imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles

On September 17, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with German Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Economy and Climate Protection Habek in Berlin. The two sides focused on in-depth and candid exchanges on issues such as the European Union's anti-subsidy case against China for electric vehicles. Wang Wentao said that China and the EU have recently held intensive consultations on the anti-subsidy case for electric vehicles, and China has made great efforts. However, the European side not only continues to insist on ruling on high anti-subsidy tax rates, but also quickly and hastily rejected the package solution proposed by the Chinese industry, without showing the political will to solve the problem. It is hoped that the German side will proceed from its own interests and push the European Commission to meet China halfway, reach a solution in line with WTO rules as soon as possible, and avoid the escalation of economic and trade frictions between China and the EU. Harbeck said that Germany supports free trade, welcomes Chinese auto and parts companies to invest in Europe, and is not in favor of imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The package solution proposed by the Chinese industry is an important step forward and lays a good foundation for the next consultation between the EU and China. We look forward to a constructive response from the European Commission. Germany will urge the European Commission to seek a proper solution with China and make every effort to avoid trade conflicts.